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• REFERENCE

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PREFACE

THE CREATION

THE BROTHER AND SISTER

FEAR

THE THREE ORANGE PERIS

THE ROSEBEAUTy

THE SILENT PRINCESS ■ ,^.^ ;.,

KARA MUSTAFA THE HERO

THE WIZARDDERVISH . ' . .V'.';'' 'r •.>: ,

THE FISH-PERI ■* **^*"' '"'

THE HORSEDEW AND THE WITCH

Page
ix

12
19
31
39
50
58
64
70

CONTENTS

Page

THE SIMPLETON 11

THE MAGIC TURBAN, THE MAGIC WHIP, AND

THE MAGIC CARPET 87

MAHOMET, THE BALD-HEAD 95

THE STORM FIEND 102

THE LAU(}HING APPLE AND THE WEEPING

APPLE 117

THE CROWPERI 126

THE FORTY PRINCES AND THE SEVEN-HEADED

DRAGON 133

KAMERTAJ, THE MOONHORSE 141

THE BIRD OF SORROW 150

THE ENCHANTED POMEGRANATE BRANCH

AND THE BEAUTY . 159

THE MAGIC HAIR-PINS 174

PATIENCE-STONE AND PATIENCE-KNIFE 182

THE DRAGON-PRINCE AND THE STEPMOTHER 188

THE MAGIC MIRROR 198

THE IMP OF THE WELL ' ■ / ; 206

THE SOOTHSAYER : • -• 213

THE DAUGHTER OF" Th^E' PADISHAH OF KAN-
DAHAR 217

SHAH MERAM AND SULTAN SADE 228

CONTENTS

Page

THE WIZARD AND HIS PUPIL 238

THE PADISHAH OF THE THIRTY PERIS 243

THE DECEIVER AND THE THIEF 250

THE SNAKEPERI AND THE MAGIC MIRROR 257

LITTLE HYACINTH'S KIOSK 266

PRINCE AHMED 274

THE LIVER 286

THE FORTUNE TELLER 290

SISTER AND BROTHER 298

SHAH JUSSUF 307
THE BLACK DRAGON AND THE RED DRAGON 316

"MADJUN" 327

THE FORLORN PRINCESS 334

THE BEAUTIFUL HELWA MAIDEN 342

ASTROLOGY 351

KUNTERBUNT 358

MEANING OF TURKISH WORDS 361

Vll

V^j^owCQ^:

THE stories comprising this collection have been
culled with my own hands in the many-hued
garden of Turkish folk-lore. They have not been
gathered from books, for Turkey is not a literary
land, and no books of the kind exist,- but, an
attentive listener to " the story-tellers " who form a
peculiar feature of the social life of the Ottomans,
I have jotted them down from time to time, and

now present them, a choice bouquet, to the English reading public. The
stories are such as may be heard daily in the purlieus of Stamboul, in the
small rickety houses of that essentially Turkish quarter of Constantinople
where around the tandir the native women relate them to their children
and friends.

These tales are by no means identical with, nor do they even resemble,
those others that have been assimilated by the European consciousness
from Indian sources and the "Arabian Nights." All real Turkish
fairy tales are quite independent of those,- rather are they related to the
Western type so far as their contents and structure are concerned.
Indeed, they may only be placed in the category of Oriental tales in that
they are permeated with the cult of Islam and that their characters are
Moslems. The kaftan encircling their bodies, the turban on their heads,
and the slippers on their feet, all proclaim their Eastern origin. Their
heroic deeds, their struggles and triumphs, are mostly such as may be
found in the folk-lore of any European people. It is but natural that
pagan superstition, inseparable from the ignorant, should be always

h ix

PREFACE

cropping up in these stories. Like all real folk-lore they are not for
children, though it is the children who are most strongly attracted by
them, and after the children the women. They are mostly woven from
the webs of fancy in that delectable realm. Fairy-land,- since it is there
that everything wonderful happens, the dramatis personae being as a rule
supernatural beings.

Nearly all Turkish stories belong to the category of fairy tales. These
marvellous scenes are enacted in that imaginary country wherein
Padishahs have multifarious relations with the rulers of the fairy world.
The Shahzadas, their sons, or the Sultanas, their daughters, are either the
only children of their parents, or else they appear as three or seven
brothers or sisters, whose careers are associated with miraculous events
from birth onward. Their kismet, or fate, is controlled by all-powerful
dervishes or peri-magicians. Throughout their lives, peris, to the number
of three, seven, or forty, are their beneScent helpers ,- while dews, or imps,
are the obstructors of their happiness. Besides the dews, there are also
ejderha, or dragons, with three, seven, or more heads, to be encountered,
and peris in the form of doves to come to the rescue in the nick of time.
Each of these supernatural races has its separate realm abounding with
spells and enchantments. To obtain these latter, and to engage the
assistance of the peris, the princes of the fairy tales set out on long and
perilous journeys, during which we find them helped by good spirits <ins>
and attacked by evil ones <jins>. These spirits appear sometimes as
animals, at others as flowers, trees, or the elements of nature, such as
wind and fire, rewarding the good and punishing the evil.
The fairy -land of the Turks is approached by a threefold road,- in most
cases the realm can be reached only on the back of a Pegasus, or by the
aid of the peris. One must either ascend to the seventh sphere above the
earth by the help of the anka-bird, or descend to the seventh sphere
below the earth by the help of a dew. A multitude of serais and kiosks
are at the disposal of the heroes of the tales ,- thousands of birds of gayest

PREFACE

plumage warble their tuneful lays, and in the flower-gardens the most
wonderful odours intoxicate the senses.

Turkish fairy tales are as crystal, reflecting the sun's rays in a thousand
dazzling colours ,• clear as a cloudless sky ,• and transparent like the dew
upon a budding rose. In short, Turkish fairy tales are not the stories
of the Thousand and One Nights, but of the Thousand and One Days.

I. K.

<Q>

f)h^ (ve»a.tccvw

LLAH, the most gracious
place is the seventh heaven,
creation. Seven planes has
planes also the earth— the
the heavenly ways reside
in the earthly darkness the
light of heaven is in con-
earth— the peris with the
' heaven, high above the
down into the darkness
tains bar the road to heaven,
can reach the Copper
is open to the Silver Moun-
Gold. Evil spirits are
radiance of heaven. Their
depths of the earth, the
the spring of waters. There
black sheep, into whose
trate, and are so con-
the seventh plane,
return to the earth's
dews are powerful,
nesses of the creation
inhabitant, the First
Allah created the
pointed him the earth
place. And when the
peared upon the earth
joiced over Allah's
the Father of Evil beheld it, and envy
he conceived a plan whereby to bring

God, whose dwelling-
completed the work of
the heaven and seven
abode of evil spirits. In
the peris, or good spirits ,-
dews, or evil spirits. The
flict with the darkness of
dews. The peris soar to
earth,- but the dews sink
under the earth. Moun-
and only the good spirits
Range, whence the way
tains and the Hills of
blinded by the ineffable
dwelling - place is the
entrance to which is at
tarry the white and the
wool the evil spirits pene-
veyed to their realm on
On the white sheep they
surface. Peris and
and both were wit-
of earth's original
Man.

First Man, and ap-
for his dwelling-
First Mortal ap-
and the peris re-
wonderful work,
overcame his soul. Straightway
to nought that beneficent work

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

He would implant the deadly seed of sin in this favoured creature of the
Almighty,- and soon the First Man, all unsuspecting, received on his
pure body the damnable spittle of the Evil One, who struck him
therewith in the region of the stomach. But Allah, the all-merciful, the
overcomer of all things, hastened to tear out the contaminated flesh, and
flung it to the ground. Thus originated the human navel. The piece of
flesh, unclean by reason of the Evil One's spittle having defiled it,
obtained new life from the dust, and thus, almost simultaneously with
man, was the dog created— half from the human body and half from the
Devil's spittle.

Thus it is that no Mahometan will harm a dog, though he refuses to
tolerate him in his house. The animal's faithfulness is its human
inheritance, its wildness and savagery are from the Evil One. In the
Orient the dog does not increase, for while the Moslem is its protector,
he is at the same time its implacable enemy.

jKe JuTc^olmev gg^a^c^Ve^

NCE UPON A
old Padishah who had
In due time he died
his stead, and it was
young man dissipated
queathed by his father,
sister, "My dear, we have
should become known that we
have to leave this neighbour-
anyone in the face. We had
before it is too late." So they
gether, and left the palace
They journeyed they knew
a great plain of apparently
overcome by the heat of the
fatigue they presently espied a
to the maid, "I
out a drink of
answered, "who
not? As we
surely we can

TIME there was an
a son and a daughter,
and his son reigned in
not long before the
the whole fortune be-
One day he Said to his
spent all our fortune. If it
no money we should
hood, as we could never look
better go away quietly now,
gathered their belongings to-
secretly in the night,
not whither until they reached
limitless dimensions. Almost
day and ready to succumb to
pool. " Sister," said the brother
can make no further step with-
water." "But brother," she
knows whether it is water or
have endured so long,
hold out a little longer,
when perhaps we shall
find water."

But the brother ob-
jected. "No, I go no
further,- I must drink
if I am to live." There-
upon the sister
^^M^ fetched a draught,

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

which the young man drank greedily ,- and scarcely had he done so than
he was transformed into a stag.

The maid lamented bitterly. What should she do now? What was
done was done, and they resumed their journey. They wandered on
over the great plain until they came to a large spring by a tall tree,- here
they decided to rest. " Sister," said the stag, " climb the tree ,• I will go
and endeavour to find food." The maid accordingly climbed the tree, and
the stag went foraging in the vicinity. Soon he caught a hare, which the
sister prepared for their meal. In this way the two lived from day to day
until several weeks had passed by.

Now it chanced that the Padishah's horses were accustomed to be
watered from the spring by the tree. In the evening slaves brought
them, and while they were quenching their thirst in a trough, the animals
saw the reflection of the maid on the clear surface of the water, and
timidly drew back. The slaves thinking that the water was perhaps not
clean, emptied the trough and refilled it. Still the horses shrank back and
refused to drink, and at length the slaves related this unaccountable
incident to the Padishah.

"Perhaps the water is muddy," suggested the potentate. "Oh no,"
answered the slaves, " for we have emptied the trough and refilled it with
fresh water." "Go back," said the Padishah, "and look around,-
probably there is something in the neighbourhood that frightens them."
So they went again, and drawing near they caught sight of the maid in
the top of the tree. Immediately they went back to their master with the
news of their discovery. The Padishah, deeply interested, hurried to the
spot, and, looking up into the tree, saw a maiden beautiful as the full
moon, whom to see was to desire. " Are you a spirit or a fairy ? " called
out the Padishah to her. " Neither spirit nor fairy, but a child born of
man," answered the maid.

In vain the Padishah besought her to come down,- she had not sufficient
courage to do so and the Padishah, aroused to anger, gave orders to
4

The Padishah gave orders to fell the tree

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

fell the tree. The slaves took hatchets and hacked and split the tree on
every side, and it was almost ready to fall when night came down upon
them and they were compelled to postpone their task. They had hardly
disappeared when the stag came out of the forest, and seeing the state of
the tree, he questioned his sister ♦ as to what had transpired.

■" you did well," said the stag T when he had heard the story.
"Do not come down under ,^V ^ny circumstances." Then
going to the tree, the stag X \ licked it, and lo ! the trunk

became thicker than it
Next morning the stag
again, and when the
came, great was their
not only was the tree
even thicker than be-
they resumed their
half completed
once more sus-
To be brief,
gone home the
licked the tree,
as before, only
thicker than ever,
gone away next
shah came again
and seeing that

was before,
went into the forest
Padishah's people
surprise to see that
whole but that it was
fore. Nevertheless
work, and had about
their task when night
pended the operations,
when the slaves had
stag came again and
with the same result
that the trunk was
Scarcely had the stag
morning than the Padi-
with his woodcutters,
the tree was whole

and sound he decided to seek other means to accomplish his purpose.

He went therefore to an old woman who , followed the calling of a

witch and related the story, promising her much treasure if she would

entice the maiden down from the tree.

The witch willingly undertook the task, and carrying to the spring an

iron tripod, a kettle, and other things, she placed the tripod on the ground

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

with the kettle on the top of it, but bottom upward. Then drawing
water from the spring, pretending to be blind, she poured the water not
in the vessel but outside it. The maiden seeing this and believing the
woman to be really blind, called to her from the tree : " Mother, you
have set the kettle upside down and the water is falling on the ground."
"" Oh my dear," began the old creature, " where are you ? I cannot see
you. I have brought dirty clothes to wash. For the love of Allah,
come and place the kettle aright, so that I can get on with my washing."
But fortunately the maiden remembered the stag's warning and remained
where she was.

Next day the witch came again, stumbled under the tree, lit a fire, and
brought forth meal. Instead of the meal, however, she began to place
ashes in the sieve. "Poor blind woman!" called the maiden from the
tree, " You are not putting meal but ashes into your sieve." ■" I am
blind, my dear," said the witch fretfully, " I cannot see ,• come down and
help me." Once again, however, her ruse was unsuccessful and the
maiden could not be induced to disregard her brother's warning.
On the third day the witch came once more to the tree, this time bringing
a lamb to slaughter. But as she took up the knife she attempted to press
the handle instead of the blade into the animal's throat. The maiden, un-
able to endure the torture of the poor creature, forgot everything else and
came down to put it out of its misery. She soon repented of her rash-
ness, for hardly had she set foot upon the ground than the Padishah, who
was hidden behind the tree, pounced upon her and carried her off to his
palace.

The maiden found such favour in the eyes of the Padishah that he desired
ardently to marry her at once, but she refused to consent until her brother,
the stag, was brought to her. Slaves were therefore dispatched to find
the stag and they soon brought him to the palace. This done, the twain
never left each other's side ,- they slept together and arose together. When
the marriage was celebrated, the stag still would not quit his sister, and

/|!

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

when at night they retired, he struck her Hghtly with his forefeet saying :
" This is the brother-in-law's bone ,- this is the sister's bone."
IME comes and goes, storytime more quickly, and with lovers the most
quickly of all. Ours would have lived altogether happily but for a black
slave-woman in the palace who was overcome with jealousy because the
Padishah had chosen the maiden from the tree instead of herself This
woman awaited an opportunity for revenge which was not long in coming.
In the vicinity of the palace was a beautiful garden, in the midst of which
was a large pond. Here the Sultan's wife was accustomed to come for
pastime ,- in her hand a golden drinkingcup, on her feet silver shoes.
One day as she stood by the pond the slave darted from her hiding-place
and plunged her mistress head first into the water, to be swallowed by a
large fish which swam in the pond.

The black woman returned to the palace as though nothing had happened,
and donning her mistress's robes she put herself in her place. When
night came the Padishah inquired of his supposed wife what had happened
that her face was so changed. " I have been walking in the garden and
have become sunburnt," she answered. The Padishah, nothing doubting,
drew her to his side and spoke words of consolation,- but the stag
came in, and recognising the deception, stroked the pair gently with his
forefeet saying : " This is the brother-in-law's bone ,- this is the sister's
bone."

The slave was now fearful lest she might be exposed by the stag, so she
set herself to contrive a means to get rid of him.

Next day she feigned illness, and by money and fine words persuaded the
physicians to tell the Padishah that his consort was dangerously ill and only
by eating a stag's heart could she hope for recovery. The Padishah went
to his supposed wife and asked her whether it would not grieve her if
her brother, the stag, were slaughtered. " What am I to do ? " sighed she ,-
"if I die evil will befall him. It is better he should be killed,- then I shall
not die, and he will be delivered from his animal form," The Padishah
8

The Padishah recovers his wife

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

thereupon gave orders to sharpen the knife and heat water in the
boiler.

' HE poor stag perceived the hurrying to and fro, and understood full well
its dire significance. He fled to the pond in the garden and called three
times to his sister :

■" The knife is being sharpened.
The water in the boiler is heated,-
My sister, hasten and help ! "

Thrice he was answered from the interior of the fish :

" Here am I in the fish's stomach.
In my hand a golden drinkingcup.
On my feet silver shoes.
In my lap a little Padishah ! "

For a son had been born to the Sultan's wife even while she lay in the

fish's stomach.

The Padishah, with some followers intent on the capture of the stag, came

up in time to overhear the conversation at the pond. To draw out the

water was the work of a few minutes,- the fish was seized, its belly slit,

and behold ! there lay the Sultan's true consort, a golden drinkingcup in

her hand, silver shoes on her feet, and her little son in her arms.

Transported with joy the monarch returned to the palace and related the

occurrence to his suite.

Meanwhile the stag, by chance licking up some of the blood of the fish,

was changed again into human form. He rejoined his sister, and judge

of the additional happiness which she felt at seeing her beloved brother

again in his natural shape.

The Padishah now commanded the Arabian slave-woman to be brought

before him, and demanded of her whether she preferred forty swords or

forty horses. She answered : " Swords to cut the throats of my enemies ,-

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

for myself forty horses, that I may ride/'' Thereupon was the vile woman
bound to the tails of forty horses, which setting off at a gallop tore her
to pieces.

Then the Padishah and his consort celebrated their marriage a second
time. The StagPrince also found a wife among the ladies of the court,-
and for forty days and forty nights there were rare festivities in honour of
the double wedding. As they ate, drank, and accomplished their object,-
let us also eat, drink, and accomplish that which we have set out to do.

NCK a very
there was a
had a son.
together one evening, the
" Go, my child, and shut
"What is fear?" the boy
one is afraid/' was the
this thing fear be ? " pon'
and find it." So he set
tain where he saw forty
fire and then seated them-
youth went up and greeted
robbers addressed him ;
"No bird dares to fly
this place : how then dost
" I am seeking fear ,• show
"Fear is here, where we
" Where ? " inquired the
Then the robber corn-
tie, this flour, fat, and
tery yonder and make
"It is well," replied the
In the cemetery he lit a
the helwa. As he was
out of the grave, and a
nothing ? " Striking the
answered mockingly:
the dead before the living."
12

"I ^\_^ '°"^ '^'"^^ ^^°

^_y__y woman who

Sitting both
mother said to her son:
the door, for I have fear."
■^ asked his mother. "When
]isj^ answer. " What then can
dered the son : " I will go
out, and came to a moun-
robbers who lighted a
selves around it. The
them, whereon one of the

here, no caravan passes

thou dare to venture ? "

it to me."

are," said the robber.

youth.

manded : " Take this ket-

sugar,- go into that ceme-

helwa therewith."

youth, and went.

fire and began to make

doing so a hand reached

voice said: "Do I get

hand with the spoon, he

"Naturally I should feed

The hand vanished, and

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

having finished cooking the
the robbers.

"Hast found it?" they asked
"No/' replied he. "All I saw
and demanded helwa,- but I
saw no more of it."
The robbers were astonished.
"Not far from here is a lonely
doubt, find fear."
He went to the house, and
form a swing in which was a
girl was running hither and
him and said : " Let me get
is crying and I must quieten it,"
mounted. While thus occupied
gradually to press the youth's
was in danger of strangulation,
threw him down, the
ders and disappeared,
from her arm to the
Picking it up, the

he passed
Jew, seeing the
him. "That
"No, it is
joinder. '^

my property,"
"Then let us go to
youth. " If he awards
thine ,• if, however
it remains in my

ou-

> ©r tqe Jra^

helwa the youth went back to

him.

was a hand which appeared

struck it with the spoon and

Then another of them remarked :
building,- there you can, no

entering, saw on a raised plat-
child weeping ,- in the room a
thither. The maiden approached
upon your shoulders,- the child
He consented, and the girl
with the child, she began
neck with her feet until he
Presently, with a jerk that
girl jumped from his shoul-
As she went a bracelet fell
floor.

youth left the house. As
along the road, a
bracelet, accosted
is mine," he said,
mine," was the re-
"Oh, no, it is
retorted the Jew.
the Cadi," said the
it to thee, it shall be
he awards it to me,
possession."

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

So accordingly they went, and the Cadi said; "The bracelet shall be
his who proves his case." Neither, however, was able to do this, and
finally the judge ordered that the bracelet should be impounded till one of
the claimants should produce its fellow, when it would be given up to
him. The Jew and the youth then parted.

On reaching the coast, the boy saw a ship tossing to and fro out at sea,
and heard fearful cries proceeding from it. He called out from the shore :
■" Have you found

swered with the
sinking !
self of his
the water and
sel. Those on
is casting our
are afraid." The
round his body,
of the sea. There
Daughter of the
shaking the ves-
flogged her
her away. Then, '
face, he asked;

^j- ^

fear?" and was an-
cry, " Oh, woe, we are
Quickly divesting him-
clothes, he sprang into
swam toward the ves-
board said; "Someone
ship to and fro,- we
youth, binding a rope
dived to the bottom
he discovered that the
Sea <Deniz Kyzy) was
sel. He fell upon her,
soundly, and drove
appearing at the sur-
"Is this fear?" With-
answer he swam back

out awaitmg an

to the shore, dressed himself, and went his way.

Now as he walked [along he saw a garden, in front of which was a

fountain. He resolved to enter the garden and rest a little. Three

pigeons disported themselves around the fountain. They dived down

into the water, and as they came up again and shook themselves each

was transformed into a maiden. They then laid a table, with drinking

glasses. When ithe first carried a glass to her lips the others inquired .

■" To whose health drinkest thou ? " She answered ; " To that of the

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

youth who, in making helwa, was not dismayed when a hand was
stretched out to him from a grave." As the second maiden drank, the
others again asked : " To whose health drinkest thou ? " And the answer
was : " To the youth on whose shoulders I stood, and who showed no
fear though I nearly strangled him." Hereupon the third took up her glass.
■" Of whom art thou thinking ? " questioned the others. " In the sea, as I
tossed a ship to and fro," the maiden replied, " a youth came and flogged
me so soundly that I nearly died. I drink his health."
ARDLy had the speaker finished when the youth himself appeared and
said : " I am that youth." All three maidens hastened to embrace him,
and he proceeded : " At the Cadi's I have a bracelet that fell from the
arm of one of you. A Jew would have deprived me of it but I refused
to give it up. I am now seeking its fellow."

The maidens took him to a cave where a number of stately halls that
opened before him overwhelmed him with astonishment. Each was
▼ filled with gold and costly objects. The maidens here gave him the

second bracelet, with which he went directly to the Cadi and received
the first, returning without loss of time to the cave. " You part from
us no more," said the maidens. " That would be very nice," replied the
youth, " but until I have found fear I can have no rest." Saying this
he tore himself away, though they begged him earnestly to remain.
Presently he arrived at a spot where there was an immense crowd of
people. " What is the matter ? " the youth inquired, and was informed
that the Shah of the country was no more. A pigeon was to be set
free, and he on whose head the bird should alight would be declared heir
to the throne. The .youth stood among the curious sight-seers. The
pigeon was loosed, wheeled about in the air, and eventually descended
on the youth's head. He was at once hailed as Shah ,• but as he was
unwilling to accept the dignity a second pigeon was sent up. This also
rested on the youth's head. The same thing happened a third time.
" Thou art our Shah ! " shouted the people. " But I am seeking fear ,• I will

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

not be your Shah," replied
the crowd to carry him off
were repeated to the widow
" Let him accept the dignity
morrow I will show him
though he received the not
that whoever was Shah one
morning a corpse. Passing
to a room in which he
being made and water heated,
calmly to sleep in this cham-
departed he arose, took up
wall, lit a fire round it and
done, he lay down again
When morning broke, slaves
new Shah's corpse ,- but they
perfect health, and hurried
tidings. She thereupon called
"When you lay the supper
in the soup-dish."
Kveningcame. The
tana sat down to
was brought in the
lid of the dish."
youth/ "I do not
please lift it," re-
suasively. Now as
his hand and lifted
The incident was so
him a momentary
thou ! " cried the Sul-
16

6[tlTlj^U J oai

he, resisting the efforts of
to the palace. His words
of the late ruler, who said :
^ for to-night at least ,- to-
fear." The youth consented,
very comforting intelligence
day was on the following
through the palace, he came
observed that his coffin was
Nevertheless, he lay down
ber,- but when the slaves
the coffin, set it against the
reduced it to ashes. This
and slept soundly,
entered to carry away the
rejoiced at beholding him in
to the Sultana with the glad
the cook and commanded :
to-night, put a live sparrow

young Shah and the Sul-
supper, and as the dish
Sultana said: "Lift the
" No," answered the
wish for soup." "But
peated the Sultana per-
the youth stretched out
the lid, a bird flew out.
unexpected that it gave
shock of fear. "Seest
tana. "That is fear."

He observed that his coffin was being made

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

" Is it so ? " asked the youth, " Thou wast indeed afraid," replied the

Sultana.

Then the marriage feast was ordered, and it lasted forty days and forty

nights. The young Shah had his mother brought to his palace and they

lived happily ever after.

c5 Ah^^j^

N olden time, when there
things, we ate and drank
went hungry to bed. At
Padishah whose days
no son.

Sorrowfully he set out
wandered, drinking coffee
came to a wide valley.
and suddenly the valley
ing of whips, and a white-
green, with yellow shoes,
Padishah and his corn-
fright, but when the
and saluted them with
they took courage and re-
" Ve alejkijm selam ! "
"Whither bound, Padi-
quired the dervish.
""If thou knowest that I
Padishah thou canst also
remedy for my grief," an-
Taking an apple from his
presenting it to the Padi-
dervish said: "Give one
the Sultana and eat the other

was abundance of all
the whole day long, yet
this time there lived a
were joyless, for he had

with his lala, and as they
and smoking tobacco, they
They sat down to rest,
resounded with the crack-
bearded dervish, clad in
appeared before them. The
panion trembled with
dervish approached
Selamin alejkiim ! "
turned the greeting:

shah ? " in-

am the
tell me the
swered he.
breast and
shah, the
half to

yourself," and immediately disappeared.

♦

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

The Padishah accordingly went home, gave half of the apple to his
consort and ate the other half himself, and before long a Shahzada, or
Crown Prince, was born in the palace. The Padishah was beside
himself with joy. He gave money to the poor, set slaves free, and
prepared a feast for everybody.
JM HE Prince grew and attained his fourteenth year. One day he accosted
* his father with the request : "My Padishah and father, have built for me
a small marble palace, with two fountains, from one of which shall flow
oil and from the other honey."

The Padishah loved his only son so much that he ordered the palace to be
built with the two fountains, in accordance with the boy's desire.
Now as the Prince sat in his palace looking on the two fountains which
▼ yielded oil and honey, an old woman appeared with a jug in her hand,
intending to fill it at the fountain. The Prince took up a stone and cast it
at the old woman's jug and broke it to pieces. Without a word the
woman withdrew. Next day she came again, and just as she was about
to fill her jug the Prince once more threw a stone and broke the vessel.
Without a word the old woman went away. On the third day she
reappeared, and for the third time her jug was shattered by the Prince.
Said the old woman : " I pray Allah thou mayst be smitten with love for
the three Orange Peris." She then went away, and was seen no
more.

From that moment the Prince was seized as with a devouring fire. He
pined and faded, and the Padishah, observing his son's condition, called
in physicians and hodjas, but no one could cure the Prince's malady.
" Oh, Shah," said the son to his father one day, " my dear father, these
people can do me no good,- their efforts are in vain. I love the three
Orange Fairies, and shall have no peace till I find them."
" Oh, my child," lamented the Padishah, " thou art my only one. If thou
forsake me, then can I have no joy."

But as the Prince continued to get worse, the Padishah thought it better
20

TURKISH PAIRy TALES

to withhold no longer his permission for the boy's setting out,- he might
perhaps find the three fairies and return home.

Laden with costly treasures the Prince set forth. Over hill and down
dale, ever onward he pursued his way. On a boundless plain he found
himself suddenly confronted with the gigantic Dew-mother. Standing
astride upon two hills, one foot on each, she crunched resin in her jaws,
and the sound could be heard two miles away. Her breathing raised
storms, and her arms were nine yards long.

" How do you do, mother?" the youth said to her, putting his arm round
her waist.

" Hadst thou not called me ' mother ' I would have swallowed thee,"
returned the woman. Then she asked him whence he came and whither
he would go.

"Oh, dear mother," sighed the boy, "such misfortune is mine that it
were better you did not ask and I did not answer,"
" But tell me," demanded the woman.

" Oh, dear mother," he sighed again, " I am in love with the three Orange
Fairies. Can you not show me the way to them ? "
" Silence ! " commanded the woman ,- " it is forbidden to utter that word.
I and my sons guard ourselves against them but I know not where they
dwell. I have forty sons, who go up and down in the earth,- perhaps
they may know."

When evening came, before the return of the Dew-sons, the woman
picked up the Prince and struck him gently, whereupon he was trans-
formed into a water-jug.

She was only just in time, for suddenly the forty Dew-fellows appeared
and cried : " We smell the flesh of man, mother ! "

" But," returned the mother, " what should a man be doing here ? You
had better sit down to your supper,"

So the Dew-fellows sat down to their meal, during the course of which the
mother inquired : " If you had a mortal brother, what would you do with him?"

♦

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

" What should we do with him ? " they all answered in chorus. " We
should love him as a brother."

N receiving this assurance the Dew-mother struck the waterjug and the
Prince appeared. " Here is your brother/' she said, presenting him to her
forty sons. The Dews welcomed the youth with joy, called him their
brother, gave him a place beside them, and demanded of their mother
why she had not produced him before the meal. " My children," she
replied, "he could not have eaten the food you are accustomed to,-
mortals eat fowl, beef, mutton and such."
ftl Inimediately one of the Dews got up, fetched a sheep, and set it before
the youth.

" you simpleton ! " scolded the woman ,- " it must first be cooked."
So the imp took the sheep away, and returned with it roasted, setting
it once more before the Prince. Having eaten till he was satisfied,
the Prince put the rest aside. Noticing this, the imps inquired why he
did not eat it all, and their mother informed them that the children of men
did not eat so much as Dew-fellows.

" Let us see how mutton tastes," said one of the imps, and in a couple
of mouthfuls the whole sheep was gone.

Next morning the woman said to her sons ; " Your brother has great
grief." "What is it?" they asked,- "we may be able to help him."
" He is in love with the three Orange Fairies," proceeded the mother.
"We know not the dwelling-place of the Orange Fairies,- we never
go in their neighbourhood ,- but perhaps our aunt knows." " Take
the youth to her," ordered the woman,- "greet her on my behalf, tell
her this is my son, and that I wish her, if possible, to help him."
The Dews accordingly conducted the Prince to their aunt, and told
her all.

This old witch had sixty sons, and not knowing herself where the
Orange Fairies lived, she awaited the return of her progeny. As she
was uncertain how her sons would receive the visitor, she struck him
22

One of the Dews fetched a sheep

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

gently and turned him into a vessel. " We smell the flesh of man ! " the
Dews shouted as they ran into the room. " No doubt you have been
eating human flesh," answered their mother. "Now come to your
supper." The sons sat down to eat eagerly. Then the woman struck
the vessel, and the sixty Dews, on beholding the little mortal, received
him heartily, offered him a seat, and set food before him.
" My sons," said the imps' mother on the following day, " this child is in
love with the three Orange Fairies,- can you not take him to them?"
" It is certain we cannot," they answered, " but perhaps our other aunt
knows the way." " Then take him to her," said the woman ,• " greet
her on my behalf, tell her the boy is my son and will be hers ,• she may
be able to help him."

The imps accordingly conducted the youth to their aunt and related all.
"Oh, my children," she answered, "\ can do nothing, but when my
eighty sons return this evening I will inquire of them."
The sixty Dews took leave of the Prince, and toward evening the Dew-
mother gave him a knock and turned him into a broom, which she put
behind the door. Hardly had she done this than the eighty Dews came
home, and began muttering about the smell of human flesh. During
supper their mother asked them what they would do if they had a mortal
brother. As they all swore a solemn oath to do him no harm, she took
the broom, struck it lightly, and the Prince appeared.
The imps received him cordially, inquired after his health, and set food
before him. Then the woman asked them whether they knew where the
three Orange Fairies lived, as their new brother was in love with them.
With a cry of joy the youngest Dewson sprang up and said that he
knew. " Then," rejoined the mother, " take the youth there that he may
accomplish his desire." •

Next morning the imp and the Prince set out on their journey. As they
proceeded the young Dew said ; " Brother, we shall soon reach a large
garden, in which there is a pond, where the three oranges will be found,
24

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

When I cry, ' Shut your eyes— open your eyes ! ' do so, and seize
whatever presents itself."

ROCEEDING a little farther, they came to the garden, and as the Dew
I caught sight of the pond he cried to the Prince : " Shut your eyes— open
your eyes ! " The Prince saw the three oranges on the smooth surface
of the pond, seized one and put it in his pocket. Again the Dew cried :
" Shut your eyes— open your eyes ! " Obeying, the Prince seized the
second orange, and likewise the third. " Now," said the Dew, " take
care not to open the oranges at any spot where there is no water, or you
will repent it." Promising to follow his advice, the Prince parted from
the Dew, the one going to the right, the other to the left.
As the Prince travelled up hill and down dale he remembered the oranges
and took one out of his pocket with the intention of opening it. Hardly
had he inserted his knife in the peel than a lovely maiden, beautiful as the
full moon, sprang out, crying : " Water ! give me water ! " and as there
was no water near, she vanished immediately. The Prince deeply
regretted what he had done, but it could not be helped now.
Some hours elapsed, he had walked many miles, and again he thought of
the oranges. He took out the second, slit it, and behold ! out sprang a
maiden lovelier than the first. She also demanded water, and, seeing
none, likewise vanished.

" I must take better care of the third," thought the Prince as he tramped
wearily onward. On reaching a spring he drank of it, and resolved to
open his third orange. He did so, and a maiden more lovely than either
of the others appeared. As she also asked for water, the Prince led her
to the spring, gave her to drink, and she remained with him.
The Prince was anxious that the maiden should enter his father's city
with befitting state. So he persuaded her to hide in a tree near the
spring, while he went to fetch a coach and gorgeous raiment. When he
had gone away a black slave-woman came to the spring for water.
Seeing therein the reflection of the maiden from the tree above, and

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

thinking it was her own image, «
more beautiful than my mis-
water for her ? Rather should *;
threw down her |ug so vio-
She returned to the house,
where the jug was, the negress
"I am more beautiful than
fetch me water." The mis-
answered ■ " Are you out of
glass," and the negress, look-
black. Without another word
went to the spring to fill it.
second time the reflection of
mistook it for her own.
" I am after all more beautiful
cried aloud. Throwing down
went to the house. Again
she had brought no water,
than you,- you must fetch
retort. "Vou are mad,
tress, again holding the
swarthy face of the slave,
was indeed a negress, took
a third time to the spring,
maiden again appeared in
gress was just about to
when the maid called to her
not your jug,- what
water is my reflection.
The negress looked up, ^
a being so wondrously \
26 ^

she soliloquised : " I am much
tress. Why should I carry
she carry it for me," and she
lently that it broke in pieces,
and when her mistress asked
turned upon her scornfully,
you ,- henceforth you must
tress, holding up the mirror,
your wits? Look in the
ing, saw that she was really
she again took a jug and
Arrived there, she saw a
the maiden in the tree and

than my mistress," she
her jug, she once more
the mistress asked why
"I am more beautiful
me water," was the
girl," returned the mis-
mirror up before the
who, realising that she
a third jug and went yet
The reflection of the
the water, and the ne-
dash her jug to pieces
from the tree : " Break
you behold in the
not your own."
and seeing in the tree
beautiful — lovelier

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

than anyone she had
addressed her in
tery:

"Oh, most charm-
ly you must be tired
so long. Come
weary head in my
The bait was taken,
head lay in her lap,
pin and thrust it
the very moment the
was accomplished
formed into an
and flew away, leav-
tree.

Shortly afterwards
a magnificent coach,
cade. Glancing at
the swarthy features
asked what had
me here and go
Degress. " The sun
complexion." What
do? He put the
coach and took her
The courtiers
of the fairy bride
when they saw the
a loss to imagine
find attractive about
negress," explained

ever seen before— she
words of honeyed Bat-
ing of all maidens, sure-
from sitting up there
down and lay your
lap."

and as the maiden's
the negress took a hair-
into her skull. But at
murderous intention
the maiden was trans-
orange - coloured bird
ing the negress by the

the Prince returned in
and clad in gold bro-
the tree and seeing
of the negress, he
happened. " Leave
away," answered the
has quite spoilt my
could the poor Prince
supposed maiden in the
to his father's palace,
awaited the arrival
with eager curiosity,-
negress they were at
what the Prince could
her. "She is not a
the Prince,- "only as
27

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

she was in the sun so long she has become somewhat sunburnt ,• she will
soon become white again." With these words he led her to her
apartments.

Near the Prince's palace was a large garden. Here one day the Orange
Bird flew in, and, alighting on a tree, called to the gardener.
" What wilt thou of me ? " asked the gardener.
" How is the Prince ? " inquired the bird.
" Quite well," was the answer.
" And how is his black wife ? " was the next inquiry.
" Oh, she is quite well, but keeps to her apartments," replied the
gardener.

At this the bird flew off. Next day it came again, and repeated the
questions of the previous day. On the third day also it did the same ,• and
it came to pass that every tree on which the bird had sat withered away.
Shortly afterward, as the Prince was walking in the garden, seeing so
many withered trees he spoke to the gardener. " Why do you not take
proper care of these trees ? " he asked ,• " they are all withered ! "
Hereupon the gardener related the incident of the bird and its questions,
and observed that though he had done his utmost for the trees it was all
in vain. The Prince commanded him to smear the trees with birdlime,
and when the bird was caught to bring it himself to the palace. So the
bird was caught and taken to the Prince, who put it in a cage.
As soon as the negress saw the bird she knew it was really the beautiful
maiden. She now pretended to be dangerously ill, sent for the chief
physicians, and, bribing them, got them to report to the Prince that only
by eating a certain kind of bird could she possibly recover.
When the Prince heard that his wife was very ill he called the physicians
before him and asked what was to be done. They told him that the
Princess could only be cured if a certain kind of bird were given her to
eat. " I have lately caught such a bird," said the Prince, and he com-
manded that the captive should be killed and served up to his wife. But by
28

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

chance one of the bird's beautiful feathers fell to the floor, and lodged,
without anyone observing it, between two planks.

Time passed, and the Prince was still waiting for his wife to turn white.
In the palace was an old woman who taught reading and writing to the
inmates. One day, being about to ascend the stairs, she espied a bright
object. She picked it up, and saw that it was a bird's feather with spots
on it that sparkled like diamonds. She took the feather to her own room
and stuck it in a crevice in the wall.

NK day while she was in attendance at the palace the feather fell
from its position, and ere it could reach the floor, behold ! it was trans-
formed into a lovely maiden, of dazzling beauty. The maiden swept the
floor, cooked the dinner, and put everything in order, after which she
resumed the form of a feather and went back to her place on the wall.
When the old governess arrived home she was astonished. She looked
everywhere, but could find no clue to the riddle.

Next morning while she was in the palace the feather again assumed
human form and acted as on the day before. On the third day the old
woman, determined to solve the mystery, instead of leaving her apartments
locked the door as though she intended to go to the palace as usual, but
hid herself Soon she saw a maiden in the room, who, after putting
everything in proper order, set about the cooking. When all was ready
the dame ran in and caught the mysterious maiden and demanded an
explanation. The latter related her adventures, telling how the negress
had twice taken her life, and how she had come there in the form of a
feather.

" Grieve not, my daughter," said the old dame, consoling her, " I will soon
put the matter right.'' She lost no time in going to the Prince, whom she
invited to supper the same evening,

After supper coffee was brought in, and as the maiden set down the cups
the Prince chanced to look into her face, and immediately swooned away.
When he had been brought to consciousness again he asked who the

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

maiden was. " My servant/'' answered the old woman. " Whence have
you obtained her ? '' demanded the Prince. ■" Will you not sell her to
me ? " " How can I sell you what already belongs to you ? " returned
the dame. Taking the maiden by the hand, she led her to the Prince,
exhorting him thenceforth to guard his Orange Fairy with more care.
The Prince took his true bride home in triumph to his palace, ordered the
negress to instant execution, and celebrated his new wedding feast for
forty days and forty nights. This happy end attained, we will once more
stretch ourselves on our divan.

^ej^jeji

N olden times, when the camel
a barber, the cuckoo a tailor,
ass still a servant, there was
Besides this miller, there was
daughters, aged respectively
The eldest went to the
a letter to her father in these
" Dear father, one of my
thirty, and they have not yet
will not wait so long before I
The Padishah on reading the
and thus addressed them
for each of you ,■ go and shoot,
fall, there you will find your
Taking the weapons from their
forth. The eldest shot first,
palace of the Vezir's son,
to him. The second daughter's
son of the Sheikhullslam, an
When the youngest
into the hut of a wood-
cried everybody,- and
time the arrow fell in
attempt met no better

was a horse-dealer, the mouse
the tortoise a baker, and the
a miller who had a black cat.
a Padishah who had three
forty, thirty, and twenty years,
youngest and made her write
terms :

sisters is forty, the other
married. Take notice that I
get a husband."
letter sent for his daughters
" Here are a bow and arrow
and wherever your arrows
future husbands."
father, the three maidens went
and her arrow fell in the
she was accordingly united
arrow fell in the palace of the
him she got for a husband,
shot, however, her arrow fell
cutter. " That doesn't count,"
she shot again. The second
the same spot,- and a third
success,

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

The Shah was wrathful with his daughter on account of her letter, and
exclaimed: "you foolish creature, that serves you right. Your elder
sisters have waited patiently and are rewarded. Vou, the youngest, have
dared to write me that impertinent letter : you are justly punished. Take
your woodcutter and be off with you." So the poor girl left her father's
palace to be the wife of the woodcutter.

N the course of time a beautiful girl-baby was born to them. The wood-
cutter's wife bitterly lamented the fact that her child must have so poor a
home, but even while she wept three wonderful fairies stepped through the
wall of the hut into the dismal room where the child lay. Standing by her
cot, each in turn stretched out a hand over the sleeping infant.
Said the first fairy: "Rose-Beauty shall she be called,- and instead of
tears, pearls shall she shed."

Said the second fairy : " When she smiles, roses shall blossom."
Said the third : " Wherever her foot falls shall grass spring up ! "
Then the three disappeared as they had come.

y^ears passed away. The child grew and attained her twelfth year,
developing such loveliness as none had ever seen before. To gaze once
upon her was to be filled with love for her. When she smiled roses
blossomed,- when she wept pearls fell from her eyes, and grass grew
wherever her feet trod. The fame of her beauty spread far and wide.
The mother of a certain Prince heard of Rose-Beauty and resolved that
this maiden and no other should become her son's bride. She called her
son to her and told him that in the town was a maiden who smiled roses,
wept pearls, and under whose feet grass grew ,- he must see her.
The fairies had already shown the maid to the Prince in a dream, and thus
kindled in him the fire of love ,- but before his mother he was shy and
refused to seek the object of his passion. The Sultana therefore insisted,
and finally ordered a lady of the palace to accompany him on his quest.
They entered the hut, explained the purpose of their visit, and in the name
of Allah demanded the maiden for the Shahzada. The poor people were
32

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

overcome with joy at their good fortune ,- they promised their daughter,
and commenced preparations for her departure.

Now this palace-dame had a daughter, who somewhat resembled the
Rose-Beauty, and she was displeased that the Prince should marry a poor
girl instead of her own daughter. Accordingly she concocted a scheme to
deceive the people and bring about the Prince's marriage to her own child.
On the wedding-day she gave the woodcutter's daughter salt food to eat,
and took a jug of water and a large basket and put them in the bridal
coach wherein the Rose-Beauty, herself, and her daughter were about to
set out for the palace.

On the way the maiden, complaining of thirst, asked for a drink of water.
The palace-dame answered : " I shall give you no water unless you give
me an eye in exchange." Nearly dying of thirst, the maiden took out one
of her eyes and gave it to the cruel woman for a drink of water.
As they proceeded the torments of thirst again overcame the poor maiden,
and again she asked for water. " I will give you drink, but only in
exchange for your other eye," answered the woman. So great was her
agony that the victim yielded her other eye. No sooner had the woman
got it in her possession than she took the now sightless Rose-Beauty,
bound her in the basket, and had her carried to the top of a mountain.
The woman now hastened to the palace and presented her daughter, clad
in a gorgeous wedding garment, to the Prince, saying : " Here is your bride,"
The marriage was accordingly celebrated with great festivity,- but when
the Prince came to lift his wife's veil he saw that she was not the one revealed
to him in his dream. As, however, she resembled the dream-bride some-
what, he held his peace.

The Prince knew that the maiden of his dream wept pearls, smiled roses,
and that the grass grew under her feet ,• from this one, however, came neither
pearls, roses, nor grass. He suspected more than ever that he had been
deceived, but "' I will soon find out " he thought to himself, and spoke no
word on the subject to anyone.

c 33

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

Meanwhile the poor Rose-Beauty on the mountain-top wept and moaned,
pearls rolling down her cheeks from her sightless eye-sockets until the
basket in which she lay bound was filled to overflowing. A scavenger at
work on the road heard the sounds of grief and cried out in fear: "Who
is that, a spirit or a fairy ? " The maiden answered : " Neither a spirit nor

a fairy, but a human being
reassured, approached the
saw the blind girl and the
He took her home to his
ing alone in the world, adopted
But the maiden constantly
her eyes, and as she was
man now had nothing else
pearls she shed and go out
Time rolled on. In the palace
scavenger's hovel grief and
the Rose-Beauty was sitting
she smiled at some pleasant
and forthwith a rose ap-
the maiden to the scavenger :
here is a rose,- take it to

Ul)oytLl 5

plllce^nd say' thou hast a "ted lU <?C^'iS&V\4iX

like yourself." The scavenger,
basket, opened it, and
pearls she had shed,
miserable hovel, and be-
her as his own child,
bemoaned the loss of
always weeping the
to do but gather the
and sell them,
was merriment, in the
pain. One day as
at the door,
recollection,
peared. Said
"Father,
the Prince's
rose of a
the palace-

^ J j;^

rare kind to sell. When

dame appears, say it cannot be sold for money, but for a human eye."

The man took the rose, went to the palace and cried aloud: "A rose for

sale ,• the only one of its kind in the world."

Indeed, it was not the season for roses. The palace-dame, hearing the

scavenger's cry, resolved to buy the rose for her daughter, thinking that

when the Prince saw the flower in his wife's possession his suspicions would

be set at rest. Calling the poor man aside, she inquired the price of the

rose. "Money cannot buy it," replied the scavenger, "but I will part

"A Rose for sale"

♦

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

with it for a human eye/' Hereupon the woman produced one of the
Rose-Beauty's eyes and gave it in exchange for the rose. Carrying the
flower inflnediately to her daughter, she fixed it in her hair, and when the
Prince saw her he began to fancy that she might after all be the maiden the
fairies had showed him in his dream, though he was by no means sure. He
consoled himself with the thought that soon the matter would be
cleared up,

J I HK old man took the eye and gave it to the Rose-Beauty. Praising
Allah, she fixed it in its place, and had the joy of being able to see quite
well once more. In her newfound happiness the maiden smiled so much
that ere long there were quite a number of roses. One of these she gave
to the scavenger that he might go with it to the palace and secure her

A remaining eye. Scarcely had he arrived at the palace than the woman saw
him with the rose and thought to herself: "All is coming right,- the Prince
is already beginning to love my daughter. I will buy this other rose, and
as his love strengthens he will soon forget the woodcutter's child," She
called the scavenger and demanded the rose, which the man said could
only be sold on the same terms as the first. The woman willingly gave
him the other eye and hastened with the flower to her daughter, while the
old man went home with his prize.

The Rose-Beauty, now in possession of both her eyes, was even lovelier
than before. As now she smilingly took her walks abroad roses and grass
transformed the barren hillside into a veritable Kden. One day while
the maiden was walking in the neighbourhood, the palace-dame saw her
and was dismayed. What would be her daughter's fate if the truth
became known ? She inquired for the scavenger's dwelling, hastened to
him, and frightened the old man out of his wits by accusing him of
harbouring a witch. In his fright he asked the woman what he should do.
"Ask her about her talisman," she advised,- "then I can soon settle the
matter." Sojwhen the girl came in the first thing her foster-father did was
to ask her how it was that, being human, she could work such magic.
36

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

Suspecting no harm, she in-
the fairies gave her a talisman
pearls, roses, and grass as
"What is your talisman?"
young stag that lives on the
must die too," answered the
Next day the palacedame
venger, and learned from
With this precious know-
home, imparted the infor-
advised her to ask the Prince
the young wife complained
saying she must have the
stag to eat. The Prince
ere long returned with the
took out its heart, which
tended invalid.

At that same instant the
scavenger buried her, and
sincerely.

Now in the stag's heart
observation,- and when the
fell to the floor and rolled
A year later there was born
who wept pearls, smiled
feet grass grew. When the
child was a Rose-Beauty, he
self that his wife was really
one night in a dream

formed him that at her birth
whereby she could bring forth
long as the talisman lived,
'inquired the old man. "A
mountain,- when it dies I
maiden.

came secretly to the sea-
him what the talisman was
ledge she hastened joyfully
mation to her daughter, and
for the stag. Without delay
to her lord of indisposition,
heart of a certain mountain
sent out his hunters, who
animal, slaughtered it and
was cooked for the pre.

Rose-Beauty also died. The
mourned for her long and

was a red coral, that escaped

Prince's wife was eating it

under the stairs.

to the Prince a daughter

roses, and under whose tiny

Prince saw that his

easily persuaded him-

the right one. But

the Rose-Beauty ap-

pearedtohimandsaid: JTo^e-^^g^uW Jc-tlr^ ''Oh, Prince, my
own bridesrroom, mv 1 *^ t <1 1 ' t^ _ V soul is under the

own bridegroom, my 1 *^ Vl J ' Ij

^ «;5*T?a,-BTi3^

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

palace-stairs, my body in the cemetery, thy daughter is my daughter, my
talisman the little coral."

As soon as the Prince awoke he went to the stairs and searched for and
found the coral. He carried it to his room and laid it on the table. When
his little daughter came in she took up the coral, and hardly had her
fingers touched it than both vanished. The three fairies conveyed the
child to her mother, the RoseBeauty, who, as the coral fell into her mouth,
awakened to a new life.

The Prince, in his restless state, went to the cemetery. Behold ! there he
found the RoseBeaut)' of his dreams with his child in her arms. They
cordially embraced, and as mother and daughter wept for joy pearls
streamed from the eyes of both ,■ when they smiled roses blossomed, and
grass sprang up wherever their feet touched.

The palacedame and her daughter were severely punished and the old
scavenger was invited to live with the RoseBeauty and the Prince at their
palace. The reunited lovers had a magnificent wedding-feast and their
happiness lasted for ever.

5t)eJc%y)vc3oe55

HERE was once a
son, and the little
ball with which he
playing. One day as
playing as usual with
old woman came to
spring which bubbled up in
Shahzada, merely for a jest,
woman's jug and broke it. With-
jug and came again to the
the Prince threw his ball at the
woman was now angry, yet,
not say a word, but went
—on credit, as she had no
time to the spring, she was in
when again the young Prince's
and shattered it to pieces. Her
be suppressed, and, turning to-
she cried : " I will say only
you fall in love with the Silent
words she went her way.
The Prince ere long found
the old dame's words and
could mean. The more he
more they took possession
his health began to suffer,-
and pale, he had no appetite,
days he was so ill that he
in bed. The Padishah could

Padishah who had a

Prince had a golden

was never tired of

he sat in his kiosk,

his favourite toy, an

draw water from the

front of the mansion. The

threw his ball at the old

out a word she fetched another

spring. For the second time

jug and broke it. The old

fearing the Padishah, she dared

away and bought a third jug

money. Returning a third

the very act of drawing water

ball struck her jug

1 anger could no longer

ward the Shahzada,

this, my Prince : may

Princess." With these

himself brooding on

#'^ wondering what they

dwelt upon them the

of his mind, until

he grew thin

and in a few

had to remain

not understand
39

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

his son's malady,- physicians
but none could do any good.
One day the Padishah asked
throw any light on the strange
suffering. Then the boy de-
succession he had broken an
what she had said to him,
tion that neither physicians
cure. He asked his father's
of the Silent Princess, for he
could he be freed from his
that the boy would not live
disease were cured,- so, after
gave his permission and ap-
the young Prince on his
Toward evening they set out'
their appearance, in six
wild savages than a
had quite forgotten
the thought of eating
never occurred to them,
arrived at the summit
Here they noticed that
earth glistened like the
round, they saw that
proached them. The
quired the name of
old man informed
stood on the
Silent Princess. , _
herself wore a (^^

S ci* w^^gpT-

and hodjas were summoned,

his son whether he could
complaint from which he was
scribed how three times in
old woman's jug, and related
finally expressing his convic-
nor hodjas could effect his
permission to set out in quest
felt that only in this way
affliction. The Padishah saw
long unless his mysterious
considerable hesitation, he
pointed his lala to accompany
journey.

and as they took no care of
months they looked more like
noble prince and his lala. They
rest and sleep ,-
and drinking
At last they
of a mountain,
the rocks and
sun. Looking
an old man ap'
travellers in-
that region. The
them that they
mountain of the
The Princess
^-.^w,.^ ^^^.r^ sevenfold veil.

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

but that fact notwithstanding, the glitter they observed around them was
caused by the extraordinary brilliance of her countenance. The
travellers now inquired where the Princess resided. The old man
answered that if they proceeded straight on for six months longer they
would reach her serai. Hitherto many men had lost their lives in vain
attempts to elicit a word from the Princess. This news, however, did
not dismay the Prince, who with his lala again set off on the journey.
FTER long wanderings they found themselves at the summit of another
mountain, which they noticed was bloodied on every side. Going
forward, they presently entered a village. Here the Prince said to his lala :
" I am very tired ,• let us rest a while in this place and at the same time
make some inquiries." Accordingly they entered a coffee^house, and
when it became known in the village that travellers from a distant land
were in their midst the inhabitants came up one after the other to offer
their greetings. The Prince inquired of them why the mountain was
blood-red. He was informed that three months' journey distant lived the
Silent Princess, whose red lips reflected their hue on the mountain before
them ,- she wore seven veils, spoke not a word, and it was said that many
men had sacrificed their lives on her account. On hearing this the youth
was impatient to put his fate to the test,- he and his lala accordingly set
out to continue their journey.

After many days they saw another great mountain in the distance, and
concluded it must be the dwelling-place of the object of their quest. In
due time they arrived at the foot of the mountain and began the ascent.
Above them towered a proud castle, the residence of the Silent Princess ,-
and as they approached near enough to see, they observed that it was
built entirely of human skulls. The Prince remarked to his lala, " These
are the heads of those who have perished in the attempt to make the
Princess speak. Either we attain our object, or our skulls will be used for
a similar purpose."

Before attempting to enter the castle they took up their lodgings in a han

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

for a few days. All this time they heard nothing but weeping and
lamentation : " Oh my brother ! " " Oh my son ! " Inquiring the cause
of the general grief, the travellers were answered :

" Why do you ask ? It appears you also are come to die. This town
belongs to the father of the Silent Princess. Whoever wishes to attempt
to make her speak must first go to the Padishah, who, if he permits it,
send an escort with the hero to the Princess," When the youth

lala : ■" We are nearly at
We will rest a few days
what fate has in store
their sojourn at the han,
about the tscharschi.
one day the Prince saw
in a cage. The bird
much that he resolved
remonstrated, reminding
a more weighty affair
however, refused to lis-
chased the bird for a
it to his lodging, and
room. Once when the
wondering by what

heard this he said to his
the end of our journey,
longer and then see
for us.'" They continued
and took daily walks
While thus occupied
a man with a nightingale
caught his fancy so
to buy it. The lala
the youth that they had
on hand. The Prince,
ten, and finally pur-
thousand piasters, took
hung up the cage in his
Prince was alone and

i/.4 ^?^

means he could make Ttcj|r\lLT]dale tTI ft eajde the Princess speak, some-
what saddened by the **J^-J '^^ ^ *^ gloomy reflection that
failure meant death, he was startled to hear the nightingale thus address
him : " Why so gloomy, my prince ? What troubles you ? " The
Prince trembled, not being sure whether it was the bird or a spirit that
spoke to him. Growing calmer, he thought that perhaps it was the
manifestation of Allah's grace, and accordingly told the nightingale the
story of his love for the Silent Princess, and that he was at his wits' end
to think how he should get into her presence. The bird replied : " There
42

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

is nothing to worry about. It is as easy as can be. Go this evening to
the serai, and take me with you. The Sultana wears seven veils,- no
one has ever seen her face, and she sees no one. Put me in my cage
under the lamp-stand, and ask the Sultana how she is. She will
vouchsafe no answer, however. Then say that as she will not
condescend to speak you will converse with the lamp-stand. So begin to
speak, and I will reply."

The Prince followed this counsel and went direct to the Padishah's
palace. When the Shah was informed that the newcomer wished to go
to his daughter, he received the Prince and endeavoured to dissuade him
from his intention. He represented that thousands already had tried in
vain to make the Princess speak. He had vowed, however, to give her
in marriage to the one who could succeed in eliciting a word from her,-
on the other hand, he who tried and failed forfeited his head. As the
Prince might see for himself, his daughter's castle was built entirely of
human skulls.

The hardy youth could not be moved from his purpose ,- he cast himself
at the feet of the Padishah and vowed either to accomplish his object or
perish in the attempt. Thus there was no more to be said : the Padishah
ordered the Prince to be taken into the presence of his daughter.
It was evening when the youth found himself in the Princess's apartment.
He put down his cage under the lamp-stand, bowed himself low before the
Princess, inquired after her health, and spoke also on matters of less
importance. No answer came. Then said the Prince to the Princess :
" It is getting rather late, and you have not yet favoured me with a single
word. I will now address the lamp-stand. Even though it has no soul
it may have more feeling than you." At these words he turned to the
lamp-stand and asked : " How are you ? " And the answer came
directly : " Quite well ,- though it is many years since anyone spoke to
me. Allah sent you to me this day, and I feel as glad as if the whole
world were mine. May I entertain you with a story ? "

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

The Prince nodding assent, the voice proceeded: "Once there was a
Shah who had a daughter, whom three Princes desired to marry. The
father said to the wooers ; ' Whichever of you excels the others in
enterprise shall have my daughter/ The young men accordingly set off
together, and coming to a spring they resolved to take different directions,
in order to avoid any collision with each other's pursuits. They agreed,
however, to leave their rings under a stone, at the spring, each to take
his own up again when he returned to the spot, thus furnishing an
intimation to him who returned last of all that the others had already
reached home.

" The first learnt how to go a six months' journey in an hour, the second
how to make himself invisible, the third how to bring the dead to life
again. All three arrived back simultaneously at the spring. He who
could make himself invisible said the Padishah's daughter was very ill
and would die in two hours ,• the other said he would prepare a medicine
that would restore her to life again ,- the third volunteered to deliver the
medicine. Quicker than lightning he was at the palace, in the chamber
where the Princess lay dead. Hardly had the medicine touched her lips
than she sat up as well as ever she had been. Meanwhile both the
others came in and the Shah commanded all three to relate their
experiences."

The nightingale paused for a few moments and then resumed : " Oh my
Shahzada, which of the three Princes thinkest thou best deserved the
maiden ? " The Prince answered : " In my opinion, he who prepared the
medicine." The nightingale contended for him who acquainted the others
of the Princess's condition, and so they hotly disputed the matter. The
Silent Princess thought to herself: "They are quite forgetting him who
could go a six months' journey in an hour." As the dispute continued
she could endure it no longer, and, lifting her sevenfold veil, she cried :
" you fools ! I would give the maiden to him who brought the medicine.
But for him she would have remained dead."
44

" / will now address the lamp-stand "

♦

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

The Padishah was immediately informed that his daughter had at length
broken her silence. But the Princess protested that as she had been the
victim of a ruse the youth should not be considered to have suceeeded
in his task until he had induced her to speak three times. Now said the
Shah to the Prince : " If you can make her speak twice more she shall
belong to you."

J f HE youth left the monarch's presence, went to his lodgings, and began
•^ to ponder the matter. While deep in thought, the nightingale said: "The
Sultana is angry at having broken her silence, and has smashed the lamp'
stand, so tonight put me on the other stand by the wall."
Accordingly, when evening was come the Prince repaired with his
nightingale to the serai. Entering the Princess's apartment, he put the
birdcage on the stand by the wall, and addressed the Sultana. As she
^ disdained to answer, he turned to the stand and said: "The Princess
refuses to speak ,• therefore I will converse with you. How are you ? "
" Quite well, thank you," came the answer at once. " I am glad the
Sultana would not speak, otherwise you would not have spoken to me.
As it is, I will tell you a story, if you will listen." " With great
pleasure," returned the Prince. " Let me hear it."

So the nightingale commenced: "In a certain town there once lived a
woman with whom three men were in love— Baldji-Oglu the Honey-
maker's Son, Jagdji-Oglu the Tallowmaker's Son, and TiredjiOglu the
Tanner's Son. Each used to visit the woman in such wise that neither
knew of the others' visits. While brushing her hair one day, the woman
discovered a grey strand, and said to herself, ' Alas ! I am growing old.
The time will soon come when my friends will become tired of me. I
must make up my mind to get married.' Next day she invited the three
lovers to visit her, at different hours. The first arrival was Jagdji, who
found the woman in tears. Asking the cause of her grief, he was
answered : ' My father is dead, and I have buried him in the garden ,• but
his spirit appears to torment me. If you love me wrap yourself in the
46

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

windingsheet and go and lie for three hours in the grave ,- then my father's
spirit will haunt me no more/ Saying this, the woman led him to the
open grave which she had made, and as Jagdji would have drowned
himself for her sake he cheerfully donned the winding-sheet and lay
down in it.

" In the meantime came Baldji, who inquired of the woman why she wept.
She repeated the story of her father's death and burial, and giving him a
large stone, told him to go to the grave, and when the ghost appeared, to
hit him with it. No sooner had Baldji taken his leave and gone to the
grave than Tiredji came in. He also sympathised with the woman and
inquired what was the trouble. 'How can I help but weep,' said the
woman, ' when my father is dead and buried in the garden. One of his
enemies is a sorcerer,- he is now lying in wait to carry off the body,- as
you may see he has already opened the grave with that intention. If you
can bring me the corpse out of the grave all will be well,- if not, I am
lost.' The words were scarcely uttered before Tiredji had gone to the
grave to take up Jagdji and bring him into her presence. But Baldji,
thinking there were two ghosts instead of one, endeavoured to hit both
with the stone. Meanwhile, Jagdji, believing the ghost had struck him,
sprang out of the grave and dropped the winding-sheet. Then the three
men recognised each other and explanations were demanded,
"Now, my Prince," said the nightingale, "which of the three most
deserved the woman ? I think Tiredji." But the Prince was for Baldji,
who had put himself to so much trouble,- and so they commenced to
argue as before, taking care to avoid mentioning Jagdji. The Princess,
who had been listening attentively to the narrative, was disappointed that
the deserts of Jagdji were not taken into consideration, and she delivered
her opinion with some warmth.

The news that the Silent Princess had again spoken was carried to the
Padishah in his palace. Yet once more must she be compelled to speak.
As the youth was sitting in his room the nightingale informed him that

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

the Princess was so furious for having been tricked into speaking again
that she had broken the wall-stand to pieces. Next evening, therefore, he
must put the bird-cage behind the door.

The third and final interview found the Princess no more amiable than
usual/ and as she refused to open her mouth the Prince tried his con-
versational powers on the door. The door <or rather the bird behind it)
related the following story :

HERE once were a carpenter, a tailor, and a softa travelling together.
Coming to a certain town, they hired a common dwelling and opened
business. One night when the others were asleep the carpenter got up,
drank coffee, lit his chibouque, and formed an image of a charming
maiden out of the small pieces of wood lying about the room. Having
finished, he lay down again and fell asleep. Shortly afterwards the tailor
woke up, and, seeing the image, made suitable clothing for it, put it on,
and went to sleep again. About dawn the softa awoke, and, seeing the
image of the lovely girl, prayed to Allah to grant it life. The softa's
prayer was heard, and the image was transformed into an incomparably
beautiful living maiden, who opened her eyes as one waking from a
dream. When the others rose all three men set to disputing as to the
possession of the lovely creature. Now to which, in justice, should she
belong? In my opinion, to the carpenter." Thus the nightingale broke
off.

The Prince thought the maiden should belong to the tailor, and as on the
previous occasions a lively debate ensued. The Princess's ire was
aroused at the softa's claim being neglected, and she exclaimed : " you
fools ! the softa should have her. She owed her life to him ,- she therefore
belonged to him and to no one else."

Hardly had she finished speaking than the news was carried to the
Padishah. The Prince had now rightfully won the Princess— silent no
longer. The whole town put on a festive appearance and began
preparations for the wedding. The Prince, however, wished his marriage
48

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

to take place in his father's palace ,• and great was the rejoicing when he
arrived home with his bride. Forty days and forty nights were the
festivities kept up ,■ and the old woman whose jugs had been broken was
installed in the palace as dady, a post she filled happily to the end of her
days.

evo

HERE was once a wo-
who was so timid that he
On one occasion the wo-
and as she was about to
plored her to make haste
to remain in the house
mised to do so,- and had
half an hour when she got
must you go home so
She answered that her hus-
for her. "Why does he
"He dare not go out
the reply. "That is
the women, and prevailed
a httle longer. They ad-
time she went out with
dark, she should slip away
him alone in the darkness,
would be cured.
The woman followed this
first opportunity that
husband alone in the
cried out in his terror until
where he waited. At
and went angrily into the
Among his possessions
50

man who had a husband
never dared to go out alone,
man was invited to a party,
set out her husband im-
back, as he would be forced
until her return. She pro-
hardly been with her friends
up to take leave. "Why
soon?" asked her hosts,
band was at home waiting
wait ? " they asked,
without me," was
strange," observed
upon her to remain
vised her that next
her husband after
from him, and leave
By that means he

advice, and on the

offered, she left her

darkness. The man

at last he fell asleep

daybreak he awoke,

house.

was a rusty old

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

knife bequeathed him by his
while cleaning it uttered a
his wife any more. He ac-
to a place where honey had
of flies were regaling them-
across the sticky mass, he
of the flies. He drew it
counted seventy victims. Im-
and ordered him to engrave
stroke Kara Mustafa, the
at the second stroke seventy."
knife was returned to its
Presently he came to a wil-
he lay down and slept, sticking
in this locality dwelt forty
early walk every morning,
man and the knife, and as
tion upon the latter he
terror. Seeing that Mus-
ing up, the Dew, with a/ ^^^^71^^
this redoubtable person, \\V
his brothers' company. ^^
asked the hero. "We
number of forty, and if
join us we shall be forty-
ing," said Mustafa,- "go
Hearing this the Dew
fellows and said: "My
desires to
immense
gathered

father. He took it up and
resolution not to live with
cordingly set out and came
been spilt, on which a swarm
selves. Drawing his knife
found that he had killed sixty
across a second time and
mediately he went to a cutler
on the knife: "At a single
great hero, has killed sixty, and
The inscription finished, the
owner, who went his way.
derness, and when night fell
his knife into the earth. Now
Dews, one of whom took an
The Dew saw the sleeping
he read the inscrip-
was seized with
tafa was now wak-
view to appeasing
begged him to join

Who

are you

■}■

IctJ i5©fc? ^et^ec

are Dews to the
you will deign to
one." "lam will,
and tell the others.''
hastened to his
brothers, a hero
join us. His

I -4 j strength may be

litvlni 'Vatxorc froiri the inscrip-

U 51

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

tion on his knife : ' At a single stroke Kara Mustafa, the great hero, has
killed sixty, and at the second stroke seventy/ Let us put everything in
order, for he will be here directly."

But the Dews hastened to meet Mustafa, who when he saw them felt his
courage sink. However, he managed to address them. " God greet you,
comrades!" he exclaimed. The Dews modestly returned his greeting
and offered him a place among them. By and by he inquired : " Is there
among you any fellow like me ? " The Dews assured him that there was
not. Thus satisfied, Mustafa proceeded : "Because, if so, let him step
forth and try his strength with me." " Where shall his equal be found?"
exclaimed the Dews, as they walked home.

The Dews were obliged to carry their water from a long distance, and
this duty was performed in turn by each of their number. Being of
gigantic stature and strength, they were of course able to carry a quantity
impossible for a mere mortal. On the following day one of the Dews
accosted Mustafa : " It is your turn to fetch the water, and we are sorry
to say the well is far away." Being afraid of the hero, the Dews
naturally addressed him somewhat apologetically. Mustafa reflected,
and then asked for a rope. It was given him, and he proceeded with it
to the well. The Dews, full of curiosity to know what he intended to do
with the rope, looked on from a distance, and saw him attach it to the
stonework of the well. Astonished, they ran up and shouted to him to
know what he was about. " Oh," he answered, " I am only going to put
the well on my back and bring it home, so that none of us need go so far
for water again ! " They begged him for Allah's sake to desist, and he
promised to do so on the understanding that they would not trouble him
again with the duty of watercarrying.

A few days afterwards it was Mustafa's turn to fetch wood from the
forest. Again he asked for the rope, and went. The Dews hid them-
selves and watched him. On the edge of the forest they saw him drive
a peg into the ground and fix the rope, which he then drew round the
51

♦

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

trees. By chance the wind rose and shook the trees to and fro. " What
are you doing, Mustafa ? " shouted one of the Dews. " Oh, I am only
going to take home the forest all at once instead of piecemeal, to save
trouble." " Don't shake the trees ! " cried all the Dews. " y^ou will
destroy the whole forest. We would rather fetch the wood ourselves."
HE Dews were now more afraid of Mustafa than ever, and they called
a council to deliberate on the best means of getting rid of their formidable
associate. It was eventually decided to pour boiling water upon him
during the night while he slept, and thus kill him. Fortunately for himself
however, he overheard the conversation, and prepared accordingly. When
^ evening came he went to bed as usual. The Dews heated the water and
poured it through the roof of his dwelling. But Mustafa had laid a bolster
in the place where he should have been ,• on the bolster he had placed his
fez, and he had drawn up the bed-cover. Then he betook himself to a corner
of the room, where he lay down and slept soundly out of harm's way.
When morning broke the Dews came in the belief that he was dead, and
knocked at the door. " Who's there ? " came a voice from the inside.
The astonished and affrighted Dews called to him to get up, as it was
already nearly midday. " It was very hot last night," he observed ,- " I
lay bathed in perspiration." The astonishment of the Dews that boiling
water had no further effect upon him than to make him perspire may be
imagined.

The Dews next resolved to drop forty iron balls upon Mustafa while he
slept ; those would surely kill him. This plan also our hero overheard.
When bed'time came he entered his room and arranged the bolster as
before, putting his fez upon it and drawing up the cover, after which he
retired to his corner to await developments. The Dews mounted the
roof, and lifting some of the tiles, looked down upon what appeared to be
their sleeping companion. " Look, there is his chest ,- there is his head,"
they whispered, and thud came the balls one after the other.
Next morning the Dews went to Mustafa's house and knocked at the

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

door. This time no answer came, and they began to congratulate them'
selves that the hero would trouble them no more. But as a measure of
precaution they knocked again and also uttered loud shouts. Then they
found their rejoicing had been premature, for Mustafa's voice was heard :
"" I couldn't sleep last night for the mice gambolling over me ,• let me rest
a little longer." The Dews were now nearly crazy. What manner of man
was this, who thought heavy iron balls were mice ?

FRW days afterwards the Dews said to Mustafa : " In the adjoining
country we have a Dew-brother : will you fight a duel with him ? "
Mustafa inquired whether the Dew were a strong fellow. " Very," was
the reply. " Then he may come." In saying this, however, our hero
was ready to die of fright. When the gigantic Dew appeared on the
scene, he proposed to preface the duel by a wrestling bout. This being
agreed to, they repaired to the field. The Dew caught Mustafa by the
throat and held him in such a mighty grasp that his eyes started from
their sockets. " What are you staring at ? " demanded the Dew, as he
relaxed his grip on Mustafa's neck. " I was looking to see how high I
should have to throw you so that all your limbs would be broken by
your fall," answered our hero in well-simulated contempt. Hearing this,
all the Dews fell upon their knees before him and begged him to spare their
brother. Mustafa accordingly graciously pardoned his adversary ,- and
the Dews further entreated him to accept a large number of gold-pieces
and go home. Secretly rejoicing, he accepted the proffered money and
expressed his willingness to go. Taking a cordial farewell of them all, he
set out in the company of a Dew, who had been deputed to act as his
escort.

When he arrived in sight of his home Mustafa saw his wife looking out
of the window ,- and as her gaze rested upon him she cried, " Here comes
my coward of a husband with a Dew ! " Mustafa made a sign to her,
behind the Dew's back, to say nothing, and then began to run toward
the house. "Where are you going in such a hurry?" demanded the
54

What are you staring at?" demanded the Dew.

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

Dew. " Into the house to get a bow and arrow to shoot you," was the
answer of the flying hero. On hearing this the Dew made off back again
to rejoin his brothers.
Mustafa had hardly had time to rest in his home when news was brought

of a fierce bear that was
The inhabitants went to
order the hero to slay the
ready encountered forty
a pity that the bear should
The vali sent for
informed him that
seemly that the
be terrorized by a
province held such
man as himself
Mustafa: "Show
where the bear is,
horsemen go with
quest was granted,
went into the stable, y
ful of small pebbles,
them among the
creatures all with
of one began to rear,
tafa himself took,
horsemen saw what
remarked to the vali

playing havoc in the district.
the vali and begged him to
depredator. "He has al-
Dews," they said. "It is
kill so many poor people."
Mustafa and
it was un-
peopleshould
bear while the
a valorous
Then spake
me the place
and let forty

cTj cact

• - me." His re-
Mustafa
took a hand'
and flung
horses. The
the exception
This Mus'
When the
he did, they
that the man
were not dis-

was mad and they

posed to help him to hunt the bear. The vali advised them ; " As soon

as you hear the bear, go away and leave him to it, to do what he will."

So the cavalcade set out, and when presently they came to the bear's

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

hidingplace the mounted escort left our hero in the lurch and rode back.
Mustafa spurred his steed, but the animal would not move, and the bear
came at him with ungainly strides. Seeing a tree close at hand, our hero
sprang on to the back of his horse, clutched at the overhanging branches,
and pulled himself up. The bear came underneath the tree and was
preparing to ascend when Mustafa, letting go his hold, alighted on its
back, and boxed bruin's ears so severely that he set off in the direction
the horsemen had taken. Catching sight of them, he yelled: "Kara
Mustafa, the hero, is coming ! " "Whereon they all wheeled round, and,
understanding the situation, dispatched the bear with their lances.
After this the fame of Kara Mustafa spread far and wide. The vali
conferred upon him various marks of honour, and he enjoyed the respect
of his neighbours to his long life's end.

Jl)e ID l^ard'-JDero^l)

LONG time ago lived a
son. As he was taking a
day, they came to a well,
to wish. A dervish suddenly
hail, my Padishah!" upon
answer: "If you know that
can you tell me the cause
dervish drew an apple
said; ""Your sorrow is
Take this apple,- eat half
other half to your wife,-
shall have a son. He
till his twentieth year—
With these words he
The Padishah went home
the apple, sharing it with
the instructions of the

Padishah who had no

walk with his lala one

near which they stopped

appeared and cried : " All

which the latter made

I am the Padishah, then

of my sorrow." The

from his breast and

that you have no son.

yourself and give the

then in due time you

shall belong to you

afterwards he is mine."

vanished.

to his palace, and cut
his wife according to
dervish. Some time

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

later, as the wizard had
came to the palace and
joy, ordered the happy
throughout his dominions.
When the boy was five
appointed to teach him
his thirteenth year he began
journeys, and soon after-
hunting excursions also,
twentieth year his father
him a wife. A suitable
the young couple were
day of the wedding, when
in readiness for the cere- ,jv.
and carried off the bride- \\
mountain. With the
he went away. In great
around him, but saw noth-
three white doves flying
river on whose bank he
As they alighted, they
formed into three beautiful
entered the water to bathe,
of them came out, resumed
forms, and flew away.
maiden left the water, she
the young Prince. Much
his pre-
inquired
come
"A der-

^ Jbc. Jcjl, jle^^J \^

promised, a little prince
the Padishah, in his great
event to be celebrated

years old a tutor was
reading and writing. In
to take walks and go on
wards he took part in the
When he was nearing his
began to think of finding
maiden being discovered,
betrothed, but on the very
all the guests had assembled
mony, the dervish came
groom to the foot of a
words "Remain in peace"
fear the young Prince looked
ing more alarming than
towards the
was resting,
were trans-
maidens, who
Presently two
their bird
As the third
caught sight of
astonished at
sence, she
how he had
there.

,<,«,jcutjai^

i,t\cll J ^'^^ carried
59

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

me hither," he answered, whereon the girl rejoined: "That dervish is
my father. When he comes, he will take you by your hair, hang you
on that tree, and f[og you with a whip. ' Dost know ? ' he will ask, and
to this question you must answer, ' I know not/ " Having given this
advice, the girl, transforming her-

self into a white ^ -^^- '^^ dove, flew quickly

away.

Presently the
saw the dervish
with a whip in
hung the youth
tree,- flogged him
asked, "Dost
the young Prince
know not " the
away. For three
sion the youth
black and blue ,-
dervish had satis-
his victim under-
all, he set him

young Prince
approaching
his hand. He
by his hair to a
soundly, and
know?" When
answered " I
dervish went
days in succes-
was beaten
but when the
fied himself that
stood nothing at
free,
was out walking

When the youth P^&iS '^^'^J^^ i^S^'*-^^*^

one day the dove came to him and said: "Take this bird and hide it.
When my father asks which of the three maidens you desire, point to
me,- if, however, you do not recognise me, produce the bird and
answer : ' I desire the maiden to whom this bird shall fly.' "
Saying this the dove flew away.

The next day the dervish brought with him the three maidens and asked
the youth which of them pleased him best. The youth accordingly
produced the bird and said that he desired her to whom the bird should
fly. The bird was set free and alighted on the maiden who had instructed
60

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

him. She was given in marriage to the youth, but without the consent of
her mother, who was a witch.

While the youth and the maiden were walking together, they saw the
mother coming after them. The maiden, giving the youth a knock,
changed him into a large garden, and by another knock changed
herself into a gardener. When the woman came up she inquired:
"Gardener, did not a maiden and a youth pass this way?'' The
gardener answered: "My red turnips are not yet ripe— they are still
small." The witch retorted : " My dear Gardener, I do not ask about
your turnips, but about a youth and a maiden." But the gardener only
replied : " I have set no spinach, it will not be up for a month or two."
Seeing she was not understood, the woman turned and went away.
When the woman was no longer in sight, the gardener knocked the
garden, which became a youth again, and knocked herself and became
a maiden once more.

f HEy now walked on. The woman turning back and seeing them together,
hastened to overtake them. The maiden also turned round and saw
her mother hurrying after them. Quickly she gave the youth a knock and
turned him into an oven, knocked herself and became a baker. The
mother came up and asked : " Baker, have not a youth and a maiden passed
this way?" "The bread is not yet baked— I have just put it in,- come
again in half an hour, then you may have some," was the answer. At
this the woman said: " I did not ask you for bread,- I inquired whether a
youth and a maiden had passed this way." The reply was as little to the
point as before. " Wait a while ,• when the bread is ready we will eat,"
When the woman saw she was not understood she went away again.
As soon as the coast was clear the baker knocked the oven, which
became a youth, and knocked herself back into a maiden ,• then they
pursued their way.

Looking back once more the woman again saw the youth and the maiden.
She now realised that the oven and the baker were the runaways in

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

disguise, and hurried after them. Seeing that her mother was coming,
the maiden again Itnoclted the youth and changed him into a pond ,• herself
she changed into a duck swimming upon the water. When the woman
arrived at the pond she ran to and fro seeking a place whence she could
reach the opposite side. At length, seeing she could go no further, she
turned round and went home again. The danger over, the duck struck

the pond and changed it
formed herself into a
which they resumed their
Wandering onward
the birthplace of the
an inn. Then said he
here while I fetch a
away." On the road he
who seized him and
diately to his father's
in the great hall where
still waiting. The Prince
and rubbed his eyes
"What can it all
self
Meanwhile, the maiden

into the youth ,• and trans-
maiden as before," upon
journey.

they came at length to
youth, where they entered
to the maiden : " Remain
carriage to take you
encountered the dervish,
transported him imme-
palace, and set him down
the wedding-guests were
looked round at them all.
Had he been dreaming?
mean?" he said to him-

youth returned not, said t^^ccl TrepcoacrjallJ

''jki^^

at the inn, seeing that the
to herself : " The faithless
one has forsaken me." -^ "-^ "^ *^ Then she transformed her-
self into a dove, and flew to the palace. Through an open window she
entered the great hall, and alighted on the Prince's shoulder. " Faithless
one ! " she said reproachfully, " to leave me alone at the inn whilst you
are making merry here!" Saying this, she flew back immediately to
the inn.

When the youth realised that it was no dream, but fact, he took a
carriage and returned without delay to the inn, put the maiden into the
62

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

coach, and took her to the palace. By this time the first bride had grown
tired of waiting for so eccentric a bridegroom and had gone home. So
the Prince married the dervish's daughter, and the wedding festivities lasted
forty days and forty nights.

#
#

xfJii^s5tebcP^''^t

HERE was once a fisherman of the name
Mahomet, who made a Hving by catching fish and
selling them. One day, being seriously ill and
having no hope of recovery, he requested that,
after his death, his wife should never reveal to their
son that their livelihood had been derived from
the sale of fish.

The fisherman died,- and time passed away until
the son reached an age when he should begin to
think about an occupation. He tried many things,
but in none did he succeed. Soon afterwards his
mother also died, and the boy found himself alone
in the world and destitute, without food or money.
One day he ascended to the lumber-room of the
house, hoping to find there something he m ight be
able to sell.

During his search he discovered his father's old
fishing-net. The sight of it convinced the youth that
his father had been a fisherman ,- so he took the net

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

and went to the sea. A modest success attended his efforts, for he
caught two fish, one of which he sold, purchasing bread and coal with
the money. The remaining fish he cooked over the coal he had bought,
and having eaten it, he resolved that he would follow the occupation of a
fisherman.

It happened one day that he caught a fish so fine that it grieved him
either to sell it or to eat it. So he took it home, dug a well, and put the
fish therein. He went supperless to bed, and being hungry he got up
early next morning to catch more fish.

When he came home in the evening we may imagine his astonishment at
finding that his house had been swept and put in order during his absence.
Thinking, however, that he owed it to his neighbours' kindness, he prayed
for them and called down Allah's blessing upon them.
Next morning he rose as usual, cheered himself with a sight of the fish
in the well, and went to his daily work. On returning in the evening he
found that again everything in the house had been made beautifully clean
and tidy. After amusing himself for some time by watching the fish, he
went to a coffee-house where he tried to think who it could be that had
put his house in order. His reflective mood was noticed by one of his
companions, who asked what he was thinking about. When the youth
had told the story his companion inquired where the key was kept, and
who remained at home during the fisherman's absence. The youth
informed him that he carried the key with him, and that there was no
living creature about except the fish. The companion then advised him to
remain at home next day and watch in secret.

The youth accordingly went home, and next morning instead of going
out, merely made a pretence of doing so. He opened the door and closed
it again, then hid himself in the house. All at once he saw the fish jump
out of the well and shake itself, when behold ! it became a beautiful
maiden. The youth quickly seized the fish's skin, which it had shed, and
cast it into the fire. "Vou should not have done that," said the

e 65

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

maiden reprovingly, " but as it cannot now be helped, it does not

matter,"

Being thus set free, the maiden consented to become the youth's wife,

and preparations were made for the wedding. All who saw the maiden

were bewildered by her beauty and said she was worthy to become the

bride of a Padishah. This news reaching the ears of the Padishah, he

ordered her to be brought
he saw her he fell in love
and determined to marry her.
Therefore he sent for the youth,
in forty days you can build me
diamonds in the middle of the
you of the girl,- but if you fail,
away." The youth went home
"Why do you weep?" asked
her what the Padishah had com-
she said cheerfully : " Do not
shall manage it. Go to the
you caught me as a fish and
stone. An Arab will appear
words ' your command ? ' Tell
sends her compliments and

before him. When
with her instantly,

and said to him ; " If

a palace of gold and

sea, I will not deprive

I shall take her

very sadly and wept.

the maiden. He told

manded, but

weep,- we

spot where

cast in a

and utter the

cushion. He will give you one ,- ou-v or -vcie. COJ%e.~mal take it, and

cast it into the sea where the ^ ~^ -^ ^ Padishah

wishes his palace built. Then return home."

The youth followed all these instructions, and next day, when they

looked toward the place where the cushion had been thrown into the

sea, they saw a palace even more beautiful than that the Padishah had

described. Rejoicing, they hastened to tell the monarch that his palace

was an accomplished fact.

Now the Padishah demanded a bridge of crystal. Again the youth went

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

home and wept. When the maiden heard the cause of his new grief she
said : " Go to the Arab as before, and ask him for a bolster. When you
get it, cast it in the sea before the palace." The youth did as he was
counselled, and looking round, he saw a beautiful bridge of
^V crystal. He went directly to the Padishah and told him that
^r ^ the task was fulfilled.

»^^J As a third test, the Padishah now demanded that the youth
''m' should prepare such a feast that every one in the land might eat
thereof and yet something should remain over. The young
fisherman went home, and while he was absorbed in thought
the maiden inquired what was the matter. On hearing of the
new command she advised : " Go to the Arab and ask him for

i^'StJ!,

Cat" of H)c ^^^^^^j;)^ a dr^ah n)a\e.

the coffee-mill, but take care not to turn it on the way." The youth
obtained the coffee-mill from the Arab without any difficulty. In bringing
it home he began quite unconsciously to turn it, and seven or eight plates
of food fell out. Picking them up, he proceeded homewards.

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

On the appointed day every one in the land, in accordance with the
Padishah's invitation, repaired to the fisherman's house to take part in the
feast. Each guest ate as much as he wanted, and yet in the end a con-

siderable portion
Still obdurate, the
youth to produce
The youth des-
latest task, and
three eggs from
home without
tained the eggs,
dropped one and
egg sprang a great
ning to and fro
sea and was seen
The youth ar-
the two remaining
third?" asked the
replied the youth.
'' you ought to ^^
said the maiden.

of food remained over.
Padishah ordered the
a mule from an egg.
cribed to the maiden his
she told him to fetch
the Arab and bring them
breaking them. He ob-
but on his way back
broke it. Out of the
mule, which after run-
finally plunged into the
no more.

rived home safely with
eggs. "Where is the
maiden. " It is broken,""

have been more careful,"
"but as it is done it
The youth carried the
shah, and asked permis-
upon a bench. This

can't be helped.

eggs to the Padi- Ji)^*^i'^l^vS'^»"<^^ki)^»D

sion to mount OT) }:l)eJixcQ. ^^^

being granted, he stood on the bench and threw up the egg. Instantly a
mule sprang forth and fell upon the Padishah, who sought in vain to flee.
The youth rescued the monarch from his danger, and the mule then ran
away and plunged into the sea.

In despair at his inability to find an impossible task for the youth, the
Padishah now demanded an infant not more than a day old, who could
both speak and walk. Still undaunted, the maiden counselled the youth
68

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

to go to the Arab with her compliments, and inform him that she wished
to see his baby nephew. The youth accordingly summoned the Arab,
and delivered the message. The Arab answered : " He is but an hour
old : his mother may not wish to spare him. However, wait a bit, and
I will do my best."

To be brief, the Arab went away and soon reappeared with a newly-
born infant. No sooner did it see the fisherman than it ran up to him
and exclaimed : " We are going to Auntie's, are we not ? " The youth
took the child home, and immediately it saw the maiden, with the word
" Auntie ! " it embraced her. On this the youth took the child to the
Padishah.

When the child was brought into the presence of the monarch, it stepped
up to him, struck him on the face, and thus addressed him : " How is it
possible to build a palace of gold and diamonds in forty days ? To rear
a crystal bridge also in the same time ? For one man to feed all the
people in the land? For a mule to be produced from an tggi" At
every sentence the child struck him a fresh blow, until finally the
Padishah cried to the youth that he might keep the maiden himself if only
he would deliver him from the terrible infant. The youth then carried
the child home. He wedded the maiden, and the rejoicings lasted forty
days and forty nights.

Three apples fell from the sky : one belongs to me, another to Husni, the
third to the storyteller. Which belongs to me ?

^tje^r^e-cDeu) and Itje'lJUlkt)

NCE a Padishah had

three daughters. Before

setting out on a journey

he called his daughters

before him and instructed

them to feed his favourite

horse personally, and not

to entrust that duty to

any other, as he would

allow no stranger near it.

The Padishah went away,

and the eldest daughter carried food to

the stable: the horse, however, would

not permit her to approach him. The

second daughter made the attempt, with

no better result. Then the youngest

went to the horse, who was perfectly

quiet, and willingly received the food and

drink from her hands. The two eldest

sisters were glad thus to be relieved of

an irksome and disagreeable duty.

When the Padishah returned home his

first inquiry was as to whether his horse

had been properly attended to during his

absence. " He would not allow us even

to go near him," answered the two elder

daughters, " but our youngest sister has

fed him."

On hearing this the monarch said that

she should be wife to the horse, his other

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

daughters being given in marriage to the

respectively. The triple-wedding festivities

youngest then went to her

were taken to their splendid

Only in the daytime, how-

ter a horse for a husband

By night the stable was

garden and the horse into

they lived in the utmost

selves knowing their secret.

Vezir and SheikuMslam
lasted forty days, and the
stable, while her sisters
palaces.

ever, had the youngest sis-
and a stable for a dwelling
transformed into a rose-
a handsome youth. Thus
felicity, no one except them-

It came to pass that the Padishah arranged a tournament in the court-
yard of the palace, and the bravest of all the knights who took part
therein were the husbands of the monarch's eldest daughters, "Look!"
said they to their sister of the stable, "our husbands are like lions;
see how beautifully they throw their lances. Where is your horse-
husband ? " At this the horse shook himself, changed into human form,
mounted a steed, and begging his wife not to reveal his identity, he
plunged into the fray. He overcame all the combatants, unhorsed his

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

brothers-in-law, then vanished as completely as though he had never been
there.

Next day the tournament was continued, and the elder sisters treated
the youngest with scorn and contempt,- but again the unknown hero
appeared, struck down all his opponents, and vanished as before.
N the third day the horse-knight said to his wife : " If at any time I am
in danger, or you are in need of help, burn these three hairs, and wherever
you may be, I will come to you.'' Then he hastened to the tournament
and fought again with his brothers-in-law. His prowess evoked universal
admiration— even his sisters-in-law could not withhold their tribute of
praise,- but in ill-natured raillery they said to their youngest sister ; "See
how these knights understand the tournament,- they are not like your
horse-husband."

The poor woman could no longer forbear to answer that the beautiful
and valiant knight was her husband ,- but even as she turned to point him
out, he vanished. This reminded her that he had warned her never to
divulge the secret. Overcome with remorse, she awaited eagerly his
return to the stable, but in vain ,- neither horse nor man came— neither
roses nor garden were to be hers that night.

" Woe is me ! " she groaned, " I have betrayed my husband ,• I have
broken my promise ,• thus am I punished ! " She did not close her eyes
all night, but wept until morning. When it was daylight she went to her
father the Padishah, and with tears told him what had happened, vowing
that she would go in search of her husband even if she journeyed to the
ends of the earth. In vain her father attempted to dissuade her. He
reminded her that her husband was a Dew and consequently she would
never find him ,- but all his arguments failed to shake her resolution.
Grief stricken she set out on her quest, and walked so long that at last
she sank exhausted at the foot of a mountain. Here, remembering the
three hairs, she burned one of them, and the next instant her husband
enfolded her in his arms. Both were almost speechless with joy.
72

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

" Did I not counsel you never to betray our secret to anyone ? " gently
chided the youth. "If my mother sees us now she will separate us
immediately. This mountain is our abode,- my mother will be here
directly, and woe to us if she catch sight of us."

The poor girl was terrified at these words, grieving bitterly that no
sooner had she found her husband than she must lose him again. The
Dew-son pitied her, gave her a light blow and changed her into an apple,
which he put upon a shelf. Shrieking loudly, the witch flew down from
the mountain, crying that she could smell human flesh and that human
flesh she must have. In vain her son denied it— she refused to believe
him.

" If you will swear on the egg to do it no harm, I will show you what I
have hidden," said the youth. The witch accordingly promised, whereon
the youth gave the apple a light blow and the beautiful maiden appeared.
" Behold my wife ! " said he. The old woman said nothing, but set her
daughter-in-law some simple tasks, and went back to her work.
For a few days the husband and wife were allowed to live in peace, but
the old witch was only waiting till her son went away from home to wreak
her vengeance on his wife. At last she found an opportunity. "Sweep
and don't sweep," she commanded the maiden, and went away. The
poor girl was perplexed to know what she must " sweep " and what " not
sweep." Recollecting the hairs, she took one and burnt it. Instantly her
husband appeared, and she told him her difficulty. He explained that she
must " sweep " the room and " not sweep " the courtyard.
The maiden acted accordingly. Towards evening the witch came in
and asked whether the work was done. " I have swept and not swept,"
answered the daughter-in-law. "You deceitful thing!" scolded the old
woman, "you have not thought that out for yourself,- my son has
certainly taught you."

Next day the old witch came again and gave the maiden three bowls,
which she ordered her to fill with her tears. The maid wept and wept

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

continually, but failed to fill even one of the vessels. In her difficulty she
burnt the third hair, whereupon her husband appeared and advised her to

fill the bowls with water
salt thereto. This the
the old woman came
she was shown the three
"You cunning crea-
"that is not your own
son shall not cheat me
On the following day she
law to make a
the maiden
not a single in-
pose could she
could expect no
was away, and
had all been
however, sus-
wicked inten-
unexpectedly to
her in such grief
should flee,
rest until she
ruin,"" he said,
she returns."
out into the
In the evening

her aoacn .

and add a quantity of
maiden did, and when
home in the evening,
vessels duly filled,
ture ! " stormed the witch,
work,- but you and my
again.''

ordered her daughter-in-
pancake. But though
sought everywhere,
gredient for the pur-
find. This time she
help, for her husband
the three magic hairs
burned. The youth,
pecting his mother's
tions, returned home
his wife, and seeing
he suggested that they
" My mother will not
has wrought your
" Let us escape before
So they went together
wide world.
the witch came home.

and saw that both her daughter-in-law and son were missing. "The
wretches have abandoned me ! " she shrieked, and calling her witch-sister
to her, she sent her to follow the fugitives and bring them back. The
second witch got into a bowl, made a whip out of snakes, and was off
74

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

like a lightning-flash. But the Dewson, seeing his aunt behind them in
the distance, gave the maiden a light blow and changed her into a
swimming-bath. He transformed himself into a bath attendant, and
stood before the door. The witch came up, alighted from the bowl, and
inquired of him whether he had seen a youth and a maiden. " I am just
warming the bath," answered the youth ,- " there is no one in ,- if you do
not believe me, go in and see for yourself" The woman, perceiving she
could do nothing with him, re-entered the bowl, went back to her sister,
and reported the failure of her errand.

The witch asked her whether she had met anyone on the way. "Oh
yes," answered she, " I spoke to the attendant at the door of a swimming-
bath, but he was either deaf or stupid, for I could get nothing out of him."
" you were even more stupid," scolded the witch, " not to recognize that
the bath and the attendant were my daughter-in-law and son." Now she
called another sister and sent her after the fugitives.
The Dew-son looking back, saw his other aunt coming towards them in a
bowl. He knocked his wife gently and she became a spring,- he himself
stood beside and drew water. The witch came up and asked whether he
had seen anything of a youth and a maiden. " This spring has excellent
drinking-water," the fellow answered with an air of simplicity. The
woman, thinking he was too stupid to understand her questions, hurried
back to her sister with the intelligence that she could see nothing of the
missing couple. The witch inquired whether she had seen anyone on the
way, ■" Only an imbecile drawing water from a spring," was the answer.
" That imbecile was my son," exclaimed the witch in a great rage, " and
the spring was his wife. I see I shall have to ^o myself" So she stepped
into the bowl, made a whip out of snakes, and set off.
Looking back the youth now saw that his mother herself was coming.
Striking the maid gently he turned her into a tree, and himself into a snake
coiled round it. The witch knew them, and would have torn the tree to
pieces if she could have done so without harming her son. So she said to

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

the snake, "My son, at least show me the little finger of the maid and
then I will leave you in peace."

The son saw that the only way to get rid of his mother was to do as she
asked. He therefore allowed one of the maid's fingers to become visible ,•
this his mother immediately devoured, and then vanished.
At another gentle blow from her husband the maid again resumed her
human form,- and the two went home to her father, the Padishah. His
talisman having been destroyed, the youth became a mortal, and as he was
no longer a Dew, his witchmother had no more power over him. The
Padishah rejoiced in the return of his lost children, their marriage was
again celebrated with great pomp, and after the old monarch's decease
they reigned in his stead.

JJ6'

T the time when Allah
and mankind much sor-
woman who had three
The youngest son was
lay all day by the fire-
One day the two elder
fields to work, and before
mother to cook them
' send it to them by their
bourhood a Dew with
his dwelling, and the
their sister which way to
him.

When the dinner was
out to take it to her
took her way and strayed
to the Dew's house. She
steps when the wife of
stood before her and
came there. She chatted
until she had enticed her
mising to hide her from
But the Dew with the
waiting for the maiden,
woman said that she
meal ready. "I will

had many servants
row, there was a poor
sons and a daughter,
somewhat simple and
side.

sons went into the
leaving requested their
something to eat and
sister. In the neigh-
three heads had erected
brothers instructed
take in order to avoid

ready the maiden set
brothers, but she mis-
into the path leading
had walked but a few
the three-headed Dew
asked her how she
with the trembling girl
into the house, pro-
ber husband,
three heads was there
As she entered the
would soon have a
knead the dough,"" she
77

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

said, " but you, my daughter, must make the fire." Scarcely had the girl
begun to build up the fire than the Dew stole in, opened his mouth, and
swallowed her just as she was.

In the meantime the men were expecting their dinner ,- they waited and
waited, but neither girl nor dinner were forthcoming. Rvening fell, and

when the two bro-
ing home, learnt
ter had set out
noon, they suS'
had befallen her.
have strayed into
cality. The eldest
a little reflection,
go to the Dew
the girl.

Walking along,
chibouque and
flowers, he came

thers, arriv-
that their sis-
in the fore-
pected what
She must
the Dew's lo-
brother, after
resolved to
and demand

smoking his
smelling the
to a baking-

Omu 'dlcmsiQhlO mv %tomnMcriidth^^oatU.

oven by the roadside. By the oven stood a grey-bearded man, who

asked him where he was going. The brother told him of the misfortune

which he feared had overtaken his sister, and added that he was seeking

the Dew with the three heads, in order to kill him.

" you cannot kill the Dew," rejoined the old man, " until you have eaten

of the bread baking in this oven." The youth thought that would be no

great feat. Taking a loaf out of the oven, he bit it, then cony;nenced to

run until he had left man, oven, and bread far behind.

Stopping to take breath, he saw a man carrying a vessel filled with wine.

To this man the brother spoke of his business with the Dew. " You can

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

do nothing to the Dew," said the man, " until you have drunk some of
this wine." The youth accordingly attempted to drink, but crying, " Oh,
my stomach ! Oh, my stomach ! " he ran from the spot and never
paused until he reached two bridges. One bridge was of wood, the other
of iron ,• on the opposite side thereof stood two appletrees, one bearing
sour, the other sweet apples.

HE Dew with the three faces was waiting on the road to see which
bridge the youth would choose, the wooden or the iron one ,• which apples
he would eat, the sweet or the sour. Fearing the wooden bridge might
break down, the youth crossed by the iron one,- as the sour apples were
not ripe, he plucked the sweet ones. The Dew had now learnt enough.
He sent his wife to meet the youth, and she enticed him into the house.
Very shortly he found himself in the Dew's stomach beside his sister.
Now the second son set out in quest of his brother and sister. He also
could not eat the bread, and the wine gave him stomachache. He also
crossed over the iron bridge, ate the sweet apples, and arrived eventually
in the Dew's stomach.

We will now turn our attention to the youngest son. The mother
observing the simpleton get up from the fireside, begged him not to
forsake her in her old age. The others had done so, but he at least
should remain with her. But the youth would not listen. " No," said
he, " till my sister and my brothers are rescued, and the Dew killed, I

cannot rest."

Rising from his corner, he shook the ashes from him, and at that moment
such a storm arose that all the farmhands ran home, leaving their
ploughshares in the fields. The simpleton collected all these shares
together and took them to a blacksmith, requesting him to make of them
a spear which, when thrown into the air, should fall on his finger without
breaking. *When the smith had made the spear, the youth threw it up in
the air, and as it fell back on his little finger, it broke in fragments.
Again the simpleton shook the ast\es from him and another storm arose

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

which sent all the field labourers hurrying home. Again he collected the

ploughshares and took them to the smith. The second spear was made,

but this also was shattered at the trial.

OR the third time the youth raised a storm, after which he collected all

the remaining ploughshares and had them made into a spear. This time

it did not break when it fell back on his finger. " That will do," said the

simpleton, and went his way.

Before long he arrived at the bakingoven. The baker greeted him, and

learning that he was on his way to kill the Dew, informed him that he

could accomplish his purpose only after eating the bread, and drinking wine

out of the vessel that he would find farther on. The simpleton accepted

his task, ate up all the bread, drank all the wine, and as he journeyed

further he came to the wooden and iron bridges, with the apple-trees

beside them.

The Dew was watching anxiously, and his courage sank when he saw

the youth's actions. " Any child of man can go over the iron bridge,'"

thought the simpleton to himself, and so he chose the wooden one.

"There is also no art in eating sweet apples," he said, and chose

those that were sour. " With this fellow we must deal in a different

manner," called the affrighted Dew to his wife. " Get ready my spear ,•

we must fight it out."

The simpleton had already seen the Dew afar off,- he walked directly up

to him and greeted him civilly. '" If thou hadst not greeted me," said the

Dew, " I should have swallowed thee." " And for my part," retorted

the youth, ■" I should have killed thee with a spear-thrust hadst thou not

returned my greeting."

" If thou art so valiant," said the Dew with the three heads, " have at

thee with the spear ! "

The Dew, taking his spear in hand, threw it with all his might at the

youth, who caught it on his little finger, where it was shattered to pieces.

" Now it is my turn," said the simpleton. He threw his spear with such

He chose the wooden bridge

force that, as it struck
spirit departed through
more, if thou art a
the Dew,- but as the
"Never!" the Dew
the youth sought the
they opened the body
brothers and their sister
simpleton they now
ward.

While in the stomach

and sister had become

to a well they requested

help in procuring water

their girdles, fastened

the eldest down the well.

way down when he

fear: "Oh, draw me

He was pulled up

second brother next

the same thing happened

"Now it is my turn,"

mind you do not draw

may beg you to do

down, and though they

L-^

the Dew, the latter' s
his nose. " Strike once
good fellow," gasped
youth answered
breathed his last. Now
Dew's wife. When
of the wizard, the two
came out. With the
wended their way home-

of the Dew the brothers
very thirsty,- coming
their younger brother's
to drink. All took off
them together, and let
He was scarcely half
began to bellow with
up, I am burning ! "
immediately, and the
essayed the task, but
also with him.
said the simpleton, " but
me up however much I
so." So they let him
heard his cries of fear

Tl)eXieas ^ptrct deparC\j J tljroagK I)^J03«-

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

they took no heed, but lowered him to the bottom of the well. Here
he found a room, and entering, he beheld three maidens, beautiful
as the full moon. They were very much alarmed at sight of the youth,
and implored him with tears to leave the Dew's cave, but he would not
listen.

O be brief he killed the Dew and delivered the three maidens, whom the
wizard had robbed from their father, the Sultan, seven years before. The
simpleton intended to give the two eldest in marriage to his brothers and
wed the youngest himself Having filled his jug with water he led the
maidens to where the rope still hung. The eldest was the first to be
drawn up, and the eldest brother took her under his care, as his youngest
brother requested,- then ascended the second, who was to be protected by
the second brother ,• lastly, the third maiden was helped up. She advised
the youth to ascend first and allow her to follow him. " Thy brothers will
be angry that thou hast chosen the most beautiful maiden for thyself,"
she said, " and from envy they will not draw thee out of the well."
" Then will I find my own way out," answered the youth.
Seeing that she could not persuade him, she took a box and gave it to him,
saying : " When thou art in danger, open this box. If thou strikest the
flint it contains, an Arab will appear and execute all thy commands. If
thy brothers should abandon thee here in the well, go to the Dew's
palace and stand by the pond there. Two sheep come daily, a black one
and a white one,- if thou shouldst seize the skin of the white one, thou
wouldst be conveyed to the surface of the earth,- but if thou shouldst
seize that of the black sheep, thou wouldst go down into the under-
ground regions."

On this she was drawn up to the top of the well. Hardly had the
brothers set eyes on her than they both fell in love with her, and as she
had foretold, they left the simpleton down the well.

What was he to do now ? He went back to the palace, stood by the
pond, and awaited the coming of the sheep. Presently a white and a

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

black sheep sprang in. The youth seized the black one instead of the
white, and in a trice found himself in the underground country. " I will
take a stroll about this territory/' he thought to himself, and began to
walk on.

He walked day and night, up hill and down dale, till, unable to go farther,
he stopped to rest by a tall tree. His eyes beheld a long snake creeping up
the tree. The creature would ^ have swallowed a nest of

young birds if the youth had ^iMM^ not rescued them just in time.
Grasping his spear firmly in his *J^^^^9) hand, he severed the snake in

two. Then he stretched himself out under the tree, where, overcome by
fatigue and the great heat, he fell sound asleep.

Meanwhile came the little birds' mother, who was the emerald anka,
queen of the Peris. Seeing the sleeping youth, she mistook him for the
enemy that year by year killed her children, and would have torn him to
pieces had not the little birds cried to her to do him no harm. They told
her how he had killed their enemy the snake, and looking round, the anka
saw the severed body of the reptile.

She flicked the flies from the sleeper, and spread her wings to shield him
from the sun, so that when he awoke he saw the bird's wings over him
like a tent. The anka told him she wished to reward him for his generous
84

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

deed, and inquired what he would like. " Transport me to the surface of
the earth/' was his answer.

" I will take you up/' said the emerald-bird, " if you have forty hundred-
weight of mutton and forty bottles of water. Put them on my back and
then get up yourself When I say 'Gik!' feed me, and when I say
' Gak ! ' give me drink."

The youth thought of the box. He opened it, took out the flint and struck
it. "What is thy command, my sultan?" exclaimed the Arab of
the monstrous lips, who instantly appeared. " Forty hundredweight of
mutton and forty bottles of water." In a few minutes the meat and the
water were on the bird's back,- the youth also mounted, and when the
anka cried " Gik ! " he gave her meat and when she cried " Gak ! " he gave
her drink. She flew from one plane of the earth to the other, and ere long
reached the surface, where the youth alighted. The bird promised to
wait until he returned.

The youth now took out the box and commanded the Arab to bring him
news of the three sisters. In a short time the Arab brought the maidens
themselves. They all mounted on the bird's back, loaded her with meat
and water, and flew away to the native land of the three maidens.
" Gik ! " cried the anka, and they gave her meat,- " Gak ! " and they gave
her water. But as there were now four human beings to be fed also,
there was not sufficient meat to last throughout the journey and there was
no more wherewith to supply the bird. When the anka cried " Gik ! " the
youth took his sword, cut a piece from his leg and stuck it in the bird's
beak. The anka, perceiving it was the flesh of a mortal, ate it not, but
held it fast in her beak. When they reached the land of the three sisters,
she told him that it was impossible for her to go farther.
His leg was so painful that the youth could not walk a step. "Go,"
said he to the bird, " I will rest here a little."

" Oh, you foolish youth ! " answered the emerald-bird, and taking the flesh
from her beak she pressed it into its place. Instantly the leg was healed,

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

Great was the astonishment in the town at the homecoming of the Sultan's
daughters. The old Padishah could scarce believe his eyes. He em-
braced and kissed them, heard their story, and gave his kingdom as well as
his youngest daughter to the simpleton.

The youth invited his mother and sister to the wedding, and his sister was
given in marriage to the son of the Vezir. The rejoicings lasted forty
days and forty nights, but happiness until the end of their days.

cclli)l|tp

f HERE were once two
' rents were dead. With
tance the elder opened
ger squandered his por-
sures. A day came
more money, so he
and begged a few
spent those, he went
and obtained more
he continued until
realized that in order
of his fortune, he must
emigrate to
however, got
intention, and
he stole on board with-
hid himself The elder
if he discovered his
would follow him,
self on deck. Hardly
than both appeared on
saw that his plan had
younger brother
burden hanging round
The elder brother was
of no avail,- the ship

brothers, whose pa-
his share of the inheri-
a shop, but the youn-
tion in foolish plea-
when the latter had no
went to his brother
paras. When he had
again to his brother
money. This practice
eventually the elder
to save the remnant
sell his business and
Egypt. The younger,
wind of his brother's
before the ship sailed,
out being observed and
brother, fearing that
intention the younger
avoided showing him-
had the ship set sail
the deck, and the elder
failed, and that his
would still be as a
his neck.

angry, but anger was

bore them both to

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

Egypt. After they had disembarked, the elder said to the younger;

" Remain here while I procure mules to carry us farther."

Accordingly the younger sat down on the shore to await the other's

return— but in vain. " I will seek him," he said to himself, and set out

after his brother.

He took short steps and long strides and travelled in this wise for six

months, when looking backward one day he saw that nevertheless he

had accomplished only a short distance. Then he took longer strides

and went for half a year forward, gathering violets, and in this way he

came to the foot of a mountain. Here, seeing three fellows quarrelling,

he went up and asked them the cause of their difference.

■" We are the children of one father," said the eldest ,- ■" he died not

long ago and left behind him a turban, a whip, and a prayingcarpet.

Whoever sets the turban on his head becomes invisible. Whoever sits

on the carpet and cracks the whip, flies away like a bird. Who shall

have the turban, who the whip, and who the carpet ? This is the matter

about which we are continually wrangling."

" All three things should belong to one of us," they all cried.

■" I am the eldest— they ought to belong to me." " No, to me, the second

son." "Oh no, to me, the youngest." With words and sticks they

belaboured each other so mercilessly that the prodigal had much difficulty

in separating them.

" Not so," said he, " I will make an arrow out of a piece of wood and

shoot it. you will all run after it, and whichever of you brings it back

to me becomes the possessor of the three things."

The arrow sped its way, and the three brothers ran after it. While this

was happening, however, our prodigal was thinking : " I have only to put

on the turban, sit on the carpet, crack the whip, and in a twinkling I shall

be where my brother is." To think was to act, and before he was aware

of moving he found himself at the entrance to a large city.

As soon as he had arrived in the town he was informed by one of the

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

Padishah's entourage that
appeared every night,
what became of her
in marriage and half of
will solve the mystery/' said
to the Padishah,- if I fail.
He was accordingly taken
posted at the door of the
to await with one eye open
The Princess waited until
be asleep and then peeped
He appeared to be in a
assurance doubly sure,
feet with a pin, and as he
the candle in her hand
by a side-door.
Putting the turban on his
and followed her. As he
him an Arab, on
basin, and in this bowl
digal immediately
upsetting it as he did
asked the maiden what
nearly dropped her.

the Sultan's daughter dis-
Whoever could discover
would be given the maiden
the kingdom besides. "I
the prodigal ,• " take me
here is my head ! "
to the palace, and at night
Princess's sleeping-chamber,
whatever should happen,
she thought he would
cautiously round the door,
sound sleep, but, to make
she pricked the soles of his
did not stir, she took up
and went out stealthily

head, the young man rose
came outside he saw before
whose head rested a golden
sat the Princess. The pro-
sprang into the basin, nearly
so. The Arab, astonished,
she was doing, for he had
" I have not moved a

Vtjaji-ctftWei Hjft eolej Q^\L?^i£c Ultli a oa-j

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

finger/' answered
sitting in the basin
me/'

When the Arab
perceived that the
usually heavy,
was, of course,
through wearing the
"What has hap-
lady ? " asked the
are so heavy that
me/'

"Nothing, dear
Princess. " I am
lighter."

Shaking his head
Arab set out and
to a splendid gar-
which were com-
with diamonds. The
a branch and put it
at the trees began
has injured us ! ■ A
us!" The Arab
were bewildered and
think.

However, they jour-
ere long came to
trees of which were

the maiden,- "I am
exactly as you put

took a few steps he
basin was un-
<The young man
rendered invisible
magic turban.)
pened to you,
Arab,- "today you
you nearly crush

lala," replied the
neither heavier nor

dubiously, the
ere long they came
den, the trees of
posed of silver set
prodigal broke off
in his pocket, where-
to sigh: "A mortal
mortal has injured
and the Princess
knew not what to

neyed farther and
another garden, the
of gold and precious

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

stones. Here also the young man broke off a branch, whereupon all
the trees commenced to groan so loudly that the heavens were shaken.
" A mortal has injured us ! " they complained. The Arab was dumb
with amazement.

Now they reached a bridge, crossing which they arrived at a palace,
where a multitude of slaves awaited the Princess. Folding their arms

over their breasts, they
earth. The Sultan's
the basin, stepping on to
thence to the earth,
pair of slippers stud-
prodigal seized one
The other the Prin-
looked about for the
entirely disap-
Angry, she entered
man followed her—
and the whip and
maiden entered an
f oun d the Dew
and earth. He asked
so long. She told
man who had been

bowed themselves to the
daughter alighted from
the Arab's body and
As slaves brought her a
ded with jewels, the
and put it in his pocket,
cess put on and then
missing one, but it had
peared.

the palace, and the young
the turban on his head
carpet in his hands. The
apartment in which she
whose lips swept heaven
her where she had been
him about the young
set to watch her, but
the Dew consoled her and assured her that there was no need for her to
be anxious.

They both sat down, and sherbet in diamondstudded cups was brought
by a slave. As the Sultan's daughter reached out her hand to take one,
the young man struck the slave's arm, whereon he dropped the cup, and
it fell broken to the floor. The young man picked up a fragment and put
it in his pocket.

" Did I not tell you," cried the Sultan's daughter, " that nothing goes

'4t ^

ttl6 cup

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

right today ? I will not take any sherbet ,• I will not take anything. I
will go home again." The Dew calmed her, and ordered other food to be
brought by a different slave. The table was laid, and many dishes were
set thereon ,• but while they ate, the young man, who was hungry, also
helped himself. The Dew and his visitor nearly swooned with fright when
they realized that there was a third— and invisible— guest.
The Dew was now quite perturbed, especially as so much of the con-
fectionery and so many of the cups disappeared. He himself advised the
Sultan's daughter to return home earUer than usual that day, and he
was about to kiss the Princess in farewell, when the invisible youth tore
them apart.

OTH grew pale and summoned the lala. The maiden, sitting in the bowl,
ordered the slave to take her home. The prodigal quickly seized a sword
from the wall and severed the Dew's head from his body. As the head
fell to the ground, heaven and earth trembled, and groans and wailing
arose. " Woe to us ! a mortal has killed our king ! " Even the prodigal
was terrified, knowing not where he was. He quickly spread his carpet,
sat thereon, and cracked his whip. When the Sultan's daughter arrived
back, behold ! the young man was already outside the door of her
chamber, apparently fast asleep and snoring loudly.
" Interfering pig ! " grumbled the Princess in a fury, " thou hast caused
me enough unhappiness today." So saying, she again pricked the soles
of his feet with a pin, and as he gave no sign she concluded that he was
still asleep.

Next morning the prodigal was sent for, and asked whether he had solved
the mystery of the Princess's nocturnal disappearances. If he had not,
his head would be cut off. " Oh yes, I know all," he answered, " but I
shall not tell you ,- take me to the Padishah," Brought before the ruler,
he promised to tell him all if he would assemble together the inhabitants
of the city. " Thus I can easily find my brother," he thought to himself
Accordingly all the inhabitants were collected in the marketplace, where
92

The prodigal severed the Dew's head from his body

TURKISH FAlRy TALES

the Padishah and his daughter sat on a dais. Near at hand stood the
prodigal, who related the account of his adventure from beginning to end.
"Do not believe it, father,- it is not true!" frequently interrupted the
Princess.

Here the youth took from his pocket the jewelled branch, the golden
slipper, the costly plate ,• and just as he was describing the death of the
Dew-King he caught sight of his brother in the crowd. He said no more
and heard no more, but sprang down to join his brother, who at once
began to run. The prodigal ran after him, and at length caught him.
When they both returned the younger begged the Padishah to give the
Princess and half the kingdom to his brother. For himself, the magic
turban, the magic carpet, and the magic whip were enough ,- with those
he could always procure a livelihood. His only desire was always to
be near his brother.

The Sultan's daughter rejoiced when she heard of the death of the Dew-
King, who had cast a spell over her. Now that this spell was broken she
felt nothing but abhorrence for the monster, and in her joy at being free
she was quite willing to become the wife of the prodigal's brother. Their
wedding festivities lasted forty days and forty nights. I was there also,
and when I asked for pilaf the cook gave me such a blow on my hand
that it has been lame ever since.

jn^omel-, ^e^»,ti- tjcswi

HEN the camel
when frogs could
used to roam up
there lived two
Besides their
poverty they had a
which they had in-
father. Now the
who was bald, con-
idea of dividingtheir
he went to his elder
"" you see these
is quite new, the
out. Let us turn
and those that
stall shall be mine,
"Oh, no, Maho-
the other, "those
old stall shall be
agreed. The cows
all returned to
cept a miserable
Mahomet ut-
of complaint or
daily drove his
ture, returning
evening.

One day as
ting by the road-
blowing vio-

was a messenger,
fly, and when I
hill and down dale,
brothers together,
mother and
little live ■ stock
herited from their
younger brother,
ceived one day the
little property,- so
brother and said :
two stalls ,- the one
other almost worn
all the cows loose,
return to the new
the others yours."
met," answered
that return to the
yours." Mahomet
were let loose, and
the new stall ex-
old blind one.
tered not a word
dissatisfaction, but
blind cow to pas-
regularly every

Mahomet was sit-

side, the wind

lently through the

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

trees made the branches
accosted the tree thus:
seen my brother ? ■" The tree
creaked all the louder,
tion, and as again the tree
became furious, took his axe
down. But lo ! an avalanche
hollow trunk through the
Making use of what little
home and borrowed an ox
it to a cart, procured sacks,
and went therewith to the
he emptied the sacks and
On his return home he
sight of so much wealth.
The younger brother
desire to divide— the
having no objec-
rowed a mea
exciting that
as to what
homet could
neighbour
the measure
when the
article a
adhering to
lated his dis-

bend and creak. Mahomet
"Eh, creaker, have you
apparently not hearing,
Mahomet repeated his ques-
did not reply the bald-head
and proceeded to cut it
of gold-pieces fell out of the
incisions he had made,
sense hehad,Mahometwent
from his elder brother, yoked
which he filled with earth,
tree. Arrived at the spot,
refilled them with the gold,
amazed his brother with the

was again seized with a
elder, we may be sure,
tion this time. He bor-
sure from a neighbour,
worthy man's curiosity
that stupid fellow Ma-
have to measure. The
smeared the inside of
with bird - lime, and
bald-head returned the
gold-piece was found
it. This neighbour re-
covery to another, that

J^tdiaiThe old l^dJ ^v\ Xv\b oetUrj^Jsvvev

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

one to a third, and in a short time the whole village knew of Mahomet's
luck.

The possession of so much gold occasioned the two brothers much
perplexity. They did not know what to do with it. Eventually they
took spades, dug a deep trench, buried the money, and hastened to
leave their native place. After setting off, however, the elder bethought
himself that he had not locked the housedoor, and he dispatched the
younger to see to it. On reaching home it occurred to Mahomet that
he ought to secure his mother's silence ,■ so he heated a boiler of water,
put the old lady in, and kept her there until she uttered no further sound.
He then took her out, supported her against the wall with a broom, put
the door on his back and went with it to his brother in the forest.
When the elder saw the door and understood what had happened to his
mother he became very angry with the bald-head, who flattered himself
that he had done something extremely clever in bringing away the door to
prevent anyone opening it. The elder took the younger by the scruff of
his neck and shook him violently. While reflecting what he should
do further he saw three horsemen riding along the road. In their fright
the brothers thought the cavaliers were pursuing them, and anxious
to escape they climbed up a tree, carrying the door with them. As
it was already dark they were not discovered. Mahomet reflected that
they were lucky to have escaped with their lives, and in this grateful
frame of mind he let the door fall on the head of one of the cavaliers who
was just passing beneath.

The rider whom it struck put spurs to his horse and galloped quickly
away with the cry : " Mercy on us ! It is the end of the world ! "
A few days after this adventure the elder brother had had enough of the
younger's vagaries, and secretly forsook him. What could Mahomet
do now ? He was alone in the world. He wandered on, weary and
hungry, till at length he reached a village. He took up his position
at the door of the djami and begged paras and food from the passers-by.

g 97

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

A little man with a thin beard came out of the djami, and on seeing
Mahomet asked him if he would Uke to become his servant. " y?:%!'
answered Mahomet, " if you promise never to be angry with me what-
ever happens. If ever you become angry with me, I have the right
to kill you ,• if, on the other hand, I ever become angry with you, you
have the right to kill me." As it was very difficult to obtain a servant in
this locality, the man agreed to this extraordinary condition.
The bald-head commenced his duties by slaughtering all his master's fowls
and sheep. " Are you angry with me, master ? " he asked. " No,
of course not. Why should I be angry ? " returned the affrighted man.
Henceforth, however, Mahomet's duties consisted of sitting in the house
doing nothing.

iHE master's wife was afraid that soon it might be her turn to follow the
'fowls and sheep, so in order to escape from the madman she persuaded
her husband to go away with her secretly by night. But Mahomet,
hearing of their intention, hid himself in the luggage, and when it was
opened in another village he stepped out. Now the husband and
wife took counsel together, and as a measure of safety resolved that all
should sleep at night on the seashore,- Mahomet should go with them,
and they would seize the opportunity while he slept to cast him into the
sea and drown him. Mahomet, however, had so much cunning that
he threw in the woman instead, and she was drowned. " Are you angry
with me, master ? " he asked. " Why should I not be angry with thee,
t-hou wretch ! " cried the man. " Thou hast not only ruined me in fortune
and brought me to beggary, but now thou hast bereft me of my wife ! "
Upon this the bald-head seized him, and, reminding him of the condition
of his employment, cast him also into the sea after his wife.
Mahomet, once more alone in the world, tramped about, drank coffee,
and smoked his pipe. One day he found a five-para piece, with which he
bought leblebi. While eating them he accidentally dropped one, which
fell into the well and was lost. Now Mahomet began to cry : " I want
98

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

my leblebi ! I want my
bellowing brought to the
such immense lips that one
the earth. "What willst
Mahomet. " I want my
the bald-head continued to
appeared in the well, and
holding in his hands a small
baldhead, he said: "When
' Table, be laid ! ' and when
'Table, enough!'"
Mahomet took the table
When hungry he had only
and the most expensive
the food was so delicious
to partake first. In his
should like the villagers to
them all to supper. When
neither fire nor food, they
jesting with them. But
in his little table and
words, "Table, be laid!"
ready in a moment. All
went home envying their
and devising various
prive him of his wonder-
niture. Finally it was
of their number should
homet's house during
steal ^^
magic

J vJ^sji' mJ UbUU ^Sk^_JI|^l]omet'

leblebi and this loud
surface an Arab with two
swept the sky and the other
thou ? " he demanded of
leblebi ! I want my leblebi ! "
scream. The Arab dis-
presently came up again
table. Giving it to the
thou art hungry say,
thou art satisfied say,

and went to the village,
to say, " Table, be laid ! "
dishes were set before him ,-
he hardly knew of what
conceit he thought, "I
see this," so he invited
they arrived and saw
concluded their host was
when the fellow brought
pronounced the
the feast was
ate their fill, and
bald neighbour
schemes to de-
ful piece of fur-
settled that one
creep into Ma-
his absence and
t h e
table.
99

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

Thus it came about that Ma-
ger once more. What should
well and began to cry : " I
my leblebi!" and the Arab
table?" "It has been stolen!"
lips popped down into the
hand-mill. Giving it to the
to the right— gold/ turn to the
took the mill home, and turned
left that his floor was strewn
a richer man than ever had
Somehow the villagers got
and one fine day it was missing,
my leblebi ! " was again the
came up and demanded ;
and the mill?" "Both
lamented the bald-
again and appeared
gave to our hero, cau-
saying other than the
gether ! "

Mahomet took the
amined them. Desiring
efficacy to the test, he
the words, " Cudgels,
gether ! " and imme.
flew out of his hands
menced to „
mercilessly.
gels!" he ex-
soon as he had
100

ef> cuoodi^ \ tie

homet felt the pangs of hun-
he do ? He went to the
want my leblebi ! I want
appeared, "Where is the
The Arab with the thick
well and reappeared with a
bald-head, he said : " Turn
left— silver." So the fellow
so many times right and
with money. He was now
been in the village before,
wind of the precious mill,
" I want my leblebi ! I want
cry at the well. The Arab
"Where are the table
have been stolen from me,"
head. The Arab went down
with two sticks, which he
tioning him strictly against
words, " Cudgels, come to-

sticks and ex-
to put their
p ronounced
come to-
diately they
and com •
beat him most
" Stop, cud-
claimed as
A ^ ^^\ overcome his

e^ci

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

surprise, and they ceased belabouring him. Though sore from his
chastisement, Mahomet was glad nevertheless, for he had already thought
of the use to which he should apply his sticks.

Hastening home, he invited all the villagers to his house, though without
divulging his reason for calling them thus together. They came eagerly,
full of curiosity to see what other wonderful thing he had to show them.
At the auspicious moment Mahomet introduced his couple of sticks, and
at the words " Cudgels, come together!" fearful strokes descended on the
heads and bodies of the guests. They began to cry out for mercy, but
Mahomet declined to utter the formula by which the punishment ceased
until all had promised to return him the table and the mill. The articles
were brought back without loss of time and peace was restored.
The baldhead took his three magic gifts and went to his native village,
•where he rejoined his brother. Being now wise and wealthy, our hero, as
well as his brother, married and lived a merry life, Henceforth there was
no more prudent man in the village than Mahomet the Baldhead.

^^^

101

^Ije jtoi«5 jfU^i

v^^.

'WO cats
spring, the
with wings,
down, and

on her. The cock was an
the goslings danced,- all
when a Padishah was
This old Padishah had
daughters. One day he
of all the hodjas and
rounded him his condi-
He sent for all his sons
"When I am dead that
shah who keeps watch by
As ifor my daughters,
the first who ask for
buried with all the pomp
his high station.
In order that the kingdom
without a Padishah, the
father's grave, spread his
till midnight, and then
dawn. But suddenly a
the darkness ,• the youth,
and ran home without
The next night the second
sat there till midnight ,• but
arose, and he ran back
could carry him.
102

il^

'^■■

made

iD^ J frog flew
""^^ aunt flea fell
the rocks fell
imam, the cow a barber,
this happened at the time
old.

three sons and three
was taken ill, and in spite
physicians that sur-
tion failed to improve,
and spoke thus to them :
one of you shall be Padi-
my grave for three nights,
give them in marriage to
them.'' He died and was
and ceremony suitable to

might not remain long
eldest son went to his
carpet and prayed thereon
patiently waited for the
fearful noise broke upon
appalled, took to his heels
stopping.

son went to the tomb, and
as before a fearful noise
home as fast as his legs

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

The dragon accordingly expired.

Now came the turn of the young-
est. He took up his handschar,
put it in his girdle, and went to
the cemetery. About midnight
arose such a tremendous noise
that the heavens and the earth
appeared to be shaken thereby.
The youth proceeded in the direc-
tion of the sound, and came into
the presence of an immense
dragon. Drawing his handschar
he plunged it into the dragon with
all his might. The monster had
hardly sufficient strength left to
cry out :

" If thou art the right man stab
me once more.'"

"Not I," answered the Prince.
The Prince wished to cut off his ears

and his nose, but he could not see in the darkness, and as he was groping
about he noticed a light in the distance. He walked in the direction of the
light, and as he approached it he saw an old man in a corner. This
man had two balls of twine in his hand, a black one and a white one.
The black he was winding up, and the white he allowed to roll on the
ground.

" What art thou doing, father ? '' asked the Prince. " It is my occupation,
my son ,• I wind up the night and set the day rolling."
The Prince rejoined : " My occupation is more difficult than thine, father.''
Saying this he bound the old man so that he could no longer let loose the
day, and went on to seek a light. Presently he arrived at a castle under
whose walls he found forty men holding a council.

103

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

"What are you about?"
want to get into the castle
" but we know not how to
" I will help you/' said the
me a light/' The robbers
He took nails, knocked
ground up to the roof,
called down that each man
As they ascended one by
struck off their heads and
courtyard until he had de-
This done he entered the
whereof was a magnificent
he saw a snake coiled round
staircase. He thrust it
but quite forgot to with-
it was left sticking in the
ing the stairs he entered a
beautiful maiden asleep.

104

J^ jleajjUjg

asked the Prince. "We
to rob it," was the answer,
accomplish it."
Prince, "if you will give
promised quite willingly,
them in the wall from the
climbed up thereby, and
should come up singly,
one the youth at the top
threw their bodies into the
stroyed all the forty thieves,
castle, in the courtyard
palace. Opening the door
a column by the side of the
through with his sword,
draw the weapon, so that
creature's body. Mount-
chamber, where he found a
Closing the door, he looked
into another chamber and
found another; maiden more
beautiful than the first.
Closing this door also, he
went to a third chamber,
which was completely
covered with metals,- here
a beautiful maiden was
sleeping: one so charming
that he fell a thousand
times in love with her.
He now closed this door

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

also, climbed the castle wall and descended the other side
by means of the nails. Then he went straight to the
old greybeard whom he had bound. " My son," cried the
elderly man before the youth came up to him, " why have
you been so long away ? My ribs are aching from my long
bondage." The youth set him free and the old man now
let the white ball roll farther. The youth returned to the
dragon, cut off his ears and nose and put them in his
pocket. He now returned home to the palace, where in the
meantime his eldest brother had been made Padishah. Of
his adventure he said nothing, but let things take their course.
Some time afterwards a lion came to the palace and ap-
peared before the Padishah, who asked him what he wanted.
■" To marry your eldest sister," answered the lion. " I
cannot give her to a beast," said the Padishah, and the
lion would have been sent away if the'youngest Prince had
not observed :

" Our father laid it upon us that she was to be given to
him who should
first ask for her."
On this he took :

J Javit io -in^TT J Jour eleU^ <:cn«ir eaujL ttie Uon

105

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

the maiden by the hand and delivered her to the lion, who went away
with her.

KXT day came a tiger and demanded the Padishah's second sister. The
two elder brothers were unwilling to give her to him, but the youngest
challenged them to fulfil their father's wish, and the maiden was accord-
ingly given to the tiger.

On the third day a bird flew into the palace and requested the youngest
Princess. The Padishah and his brother again would not consent, but
the youngest insisted, and in the end the bird flew off with the maiden.
The bird was the Padishah of the Peris, the emerald anka.
' We will now return to the castle.

Here also dwelt a Padishah who had three daughters. Going out early
in the morning he perceived that some one had been in the palace.
He passed into the courtyard, and near the staircase espied the huge
snake, cut in two by the sword. Proceeding farther he saw the forty
corpses. " No enemy can have done this, but a friend," he mused ,• " he
has delivered us from the robbers and the snake. This sword belongs to
our good friend, but where is he ? " He took counsel on the matter with
his lala.

" We can only find out," said the Vezir, " if we prepare a great feast and
invite everybody to partake of it. We must watch all our guests very
closely, and whoever carries the sheath belonging to the sword is our
friend." So the Padishah gave orders for the feast to be prepared and
everybody invited thereto.

The feasting lasted forty days and forty nights, and one day the lala said:
" Everybody has come to the feast except the three Princes." Accord-
ngly they were sent for, and when they came it was noticed that the
youngest had the sheath belonging to the sword. Immediately the
Padishah sent for him, and said :

" you have rendered me a valuable service ,■ what may I give you
in recompense ? "
106

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

" Nothing less/' answered the Prince, " than your youngest daughter/'

" Woe is me ! my son, would you had not asked for her ! " sighed

the Padishah ,• " my crown, my kingdom are yours, but ask not for this

maiden ! "

"If you will give me the maiden I will accept her," answered the Prince ,•

■" otherwise I want nothing/'

" My son," implored the Padishah, in great sorrow, " I will give you

my eldest daughter, I will give my second daughter, but I dare not

part from my youngest daughter. The Storm Fiend demanded her in

marriage, and as I would not give her to him I have been compelled

to secure her in a metal chamber, so that this Dew cannot get near her.

This Storm Fiend is so powerful that no cannon can injure him ,■ no eye

can perceive him,- like the wind he appears, and like the wind he

disappears/'

In vain the Padishah urged the youth to dismiss the youngest Princess

from his mind, and thereby keep himself out of danger ,- the Prince would

not listen. Seeing that his reasoning was useless and at length growing

weary of the matter, the Padishah withdrew his objections and the

marriage took place. The two brothers married the two other maidens

and went back to their own country, while the youngest remained, in

order to protect his wife from the evil machinations of the Dew.

Thus the Prince lived happily with his beautiful wife for some time.

One day he said to her, " My dear one, it is long since I went from your

side / I would like to go hunting for one brief hour/'

" Oh woe ! my king," answered she, " I know only too well that if once

you leave me you will never see me again."

But at length she yielded. He took his weapons and went into the forest.

The Storm Fiend now had the opportunity he had long awaited. He was

afraid of the brave Prince and dared not take the Princess from his side,-

but no sooner had the Prince left the palace than the Storm Fiend entered

and carried off the girl.

107

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

Shortly afterwards the Prince returned home and missed his wife. He
hastened to the Padishah, but the Dew had stolen his wife and she was
nowhere to be found. He wept and lamented bitterly, casting himself to
the earth. Then he arose, mounted his steed, and went forth resolved to
rescue his wife or die in the attempt.

He wandered without resting for days and weeks, his sore affliction
spurring him ever onwards. At length he descried a palace, but so
faintly that he could scarcely be said to see it. This was the palace
of his eldest sister. The Princess was looking out of the window
and wondering at the sight of a human being in her locality, where no
bird ever flew or caravan came. She recognised her brother, and when
they met so great was their joy that they could not speak for kissing and
embracing.

N the evening the Princess said to the Prince : "Soon my husband the
lion will be here,- although he treats me well, he is after all a beast
and may do you harm." So she hid her brother.

When the lion came home the Princess and he sat together and con-
versed, and she asked the lion what he would do if one of her brothers
should come there. " If the eldest came," answered her husband, " I
would kill him at a blow ,• if the second came, him also would I kill ,• but
if the youngest came, I would take him in my arms and lull him to sleep."
" That one has arrived," answered his wife. " Then bring him here
quickly, that I may see him," cried the lion ,• and when the Prince stood
before them, the lion knew not what to do for very joy. He inquired
whence he came and whither he went. The youth now related what had
happened to him and said he was going to find the Storm Fiend.
"I know him only by name," said the lion, "but I counsel you to have
nothing to do with him, for you can do no good." But the Prince was
restless ,- he would remain only one night, and on the following morning
he mounted his horse and set out. The lion accompanied him a short
distance to put him on the right coad, then they both went different ways.
108

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

The Prince travelled onward, until he came
to another palace, which belonged to his
second sister. She espied a man coming
along the road, and no sooner recognised her
brother than she ran out to meet him and
led him into the palace. The hours sped
happily until towards evening the Princess
observed :

" My tiger-husband will soon be here ,• I will
hide you so that no harm befall you."" So
she hid her brother.

In the evening the tiger came home and his
wife asked him what he would do if by
chance one of her brothers should come to
see them.

■" The two eldest I would kill," said the tiger,
■" but if the youngest came I would rock him
to sleep on my knees."" So the Princess
fetched the Prince her brother, and the tiger
manifested great joy at seeing him.
The youth related the story of his bereavement and asked the tiger if he
knew the Storm Fiend. " By name only," answered the tiger ,- and he also
besought the youth to renounce so dangerous a quest. But at daybreak
the Prince set forth again. The tiger put him on the right road, and they
parted company.

Crossing a desert, he saw something looming dark in the distance.
Wondering what it might be, he proceeded ahead and by and by per-
ceived that it was a palace, the home of his youngest sister. The Princess
glanced through the window, and uttered a joyful cry : ■" Oh, my brother ! "
His arrival gave great happiness ,- he rejoiced to have seen all three of
his sisters, but he thought of his wife and. his heart was heavy with grief

109

^Iqe^^v xnaritRny.

if J JO i J JJJ

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

Towards evening the Princess said to her brother: "My birdhusband

will be here soon ,• I will hide you until I have ascertained how he is

disposed to receive you." So she hid her brother.

ITH loud-flapping wings the anka flew in, and he had hardly rested

before his wife asked him what he would do if one of her brothers should

visit them.

" The two eldest/' said the bird, " I should take in my beak, fly with

them up to the sky and drop them to the earth ,- but the youngest I

would take on my wings and let him go to sleep."

At this the Princess called in her brother.

" My dear child," exclaimed the bird, " how come you here ? Had you

no fear on the road ? "

The youth told his grief and requested the anka to take him to the

Storm Fiend.

" That is not so easily done," answered the bird ,• " but if you should

encounter him, you would gain so little thereby that it were better

to remain with us and relinquish your purpose."

"No," said the resolute Prince, "either I deliver my wife or I perish

in the attempt."

Seeing he could not be turned from his purpose, the anka described

the way to the palace of the Storm Fiend. " Just now he sleeps and you

can take away your wife," he said ,• " but if he awakes and sees you, all

is over, you cannot see him, for no eye can behold him, no sword can

harm him, so beware."

Next day the youth set out and soon came in sight of an immense palace

which had neither doors nor chimneys. This was the home of the

Storm Fiend. His wife was sitting by the window, and on seeing him she

sprang down crying : " Woe, my Sultan ! " The Prince embraced her,

and of his joy and her tears there was no end until the Princess

remembered the cruel Dew. " He fell asleep three days ago," said she.

" Let us hasten away from here before his forty days' sleep is ended." She

110

j^ 'PM ''^^^-

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

also mounted a horse and they sped quickly away. They had not
travelled far, however, before the fortieth day expired and the Storm Fiend
awoke. He went to the Princess's chamber and called to her to open the
door, that he might see her face for an instant. Receiving no answer
he suspected evil, and forcing open the door found the Princess was not
there.

" So, Prince Mahomet, you have been here and carried off the Sultan's
daughter ! But wait a while, I'll soon catch you both ! "
Saying these words he calmly sat down, drank coffee and smoked
his pipe, then he got up and hurried after them.

Without stopping to rest the Prince and Princess galloped onward, but
presently the latter felt the wind raised by the Dew and said : " Oh, my
king, woe is me, the Storm Fiend is here ! "

The invisible monster fell upon them, seized the youth, broke his arms
and legs, and smashed his head and his bones, leaving not a single
member whole.

" As you have killed him, allow me at least to collect his bones and put
them in a sack," the Princess tearfully implored the fiend. "I may
perhaps find some one to bury them." The Dew offering no objection, the
Princess put the Prince's bones in a sack. Then she kissed his horse on
the eyes, bound the sack on his back, and whispered in his ear : " My
horse, take these bones to the right place."

The Dew carried the Princess back to his palace, but the power of
her beauty was so great that the fiend was like a prisoner in her hands.
She refused to allow the monster in her presence ,- he dared show himself
only before the door of her chamber.

In the meantime the horse galloped away with the youth's bones, and
stopped before the palace of the youngest sister, where he neighed
so loudly that the Princess came o ut to see what was the matter. On
seeing the sack and her brother's bones she began to weep bitterly
and cast herself violently to the earth as though she would break her

111

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

own bones. She could

the return of her husband

With loud flapping of wings

emerald anka, came home.

Prince's broken bones he

birds of the world

asked: ''Which

in the Garden of

oldowl was there

answer, " but

and infirm that he

move."

The anka dis-

with orders to

So the bird flew

sently returned

on his back.

"Eh, father.

hardly contain herself until
the anka.

the bird • Padishah, the
and when he saw the poor
called his subjects— all the
— together and
of you was ever
Eden?" "An
once," was the
now he is so aged
can scarcely

patched a bird
bring the owl.
away and pre-
with the old owl

ut old t)\Aov\l\^ ©£v«rf

were you ever

of Eden ? '" in'

shah.

hooted the an-

it was a long,

before I was

the Garden
quired the Padi
■" yes, my son,
cient one, " but

long time ago, ^ -^

twelve years old. I have never been there since."

" As you have been there once," said the anka, " go there a second time
and bring me a small phial of water."

The owl protested that he could not go, the way was so very long and he
had hardly any strength left ,- but his excuses were in vain. The
Padishah set him on the back of a bird, and so they flew to the Garden
of Eden, procured the water and returned to the nest.
The anka now took the youth's bones, put them all together in their
112

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

proper places, and sprinkled them with the water of Paradise. The youth
began to yawn as though he were just awaking from sleep. He looked
around and asked the anka where he was and where his wife was.
" Did I not tell you/' said the anka, " that the Storm Fiend would catch
you ? He broke your bones, which we found in a sack. Now let him
alone, or next time he will not even leave your bones in a sack."
But the Prince was unwilling to abandon his purpose, and once more set
out to find his wife.

" If you must have her at any cost," advised the anka, " go first and ask
your wife to find out what is the Dew's talisman. If you can discover
that, the power of the Storm Fiend can be destroyed."
So the Prince, mounting his steed once more, hastened to the palace of
the fiend, and as he was asleep the Prince was able to speak to
his wife. In great joy the Princess promised to discover the Dew's
talisman, saying that she would even use flattery if no other means
served. The Prince hid himself in a neighbouring mountain to await the
result.

When the Storm Fiend awoke from sleep at the end of forty days, he
went to the Princess's apartment, and knocked at the door. " Get out
of my sight ! " cried the maiden from within. " you sleep for forty days,
while I am left alone and wearied of my life."

The Dew was happy that she had even deigned to speak to him, and
asked her joyfully what he could give her to drive away her melancholy.
" What can you give me ? " retorted the Princess. " Vou are only wind
yourself! Perhaps, however, you have a talisman with which I might
amuse myself ? "

" Oh, lady," answered the Dew, " my talisman is in a faroff country,
and it is very difficult to reach. If only there were another such man
as your Mahomet, he might possibly succeed."

The Princess was now curious about the talisman, and flattered the Dew
so much that at length he divulged his secret. He begged her to sit

h 113

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

by his side a little. The maiden granted him this favour, and thereby

got possession of the history of the Storm Fiend's talisman.

" On the surface of the seventh sea," began the Dew, " there is a large

island,- on this island is an ox grazing,- in the ox's stomach is a golden

cage ,- in the cage is a white dove. That little white dove is my talisman."

" But how can one get to this island ? " asked the Sultan's daughter.

" In this way," said the Dew. " opposite the palace of the emerald anka

is a high mountain ,- on the top of this mountain is a spring. From this

spring forty sea-horses drink once a day. If anyone can be found clever

enough to kick one of these horses while it is drinking, he can saddle and

mount it, and it will take him wherever he wishes to %o!'

" Of what use is this talisman to me," asked the maiden, " if I cannot once

get near it ? " She drove the Dew out of her chamber and hastened to her

husband with the news. The Prince quickly mounted his steed, went back

to the palace of his youngest sister, and related the affair to the anka.

Early next day the anka called five birds. " Take the Prince to the

spring on the mountain," he bade them, " and wait there till the magic

sea-horses appear. While they are drinking catch one of them, strike

it, saddle it, and put the Prince upon its back before it has time to take

its head out of the water."

The anka's subjects picked up the Prince and carried him to the spring.

As soon as the horses arrived the birds did exactly as the anka had

ordered them. The Prince found himself on the back of the steed, whose

first words were : "What is your command, my dear master ?"

" On the surface of the seventh sea there is an island. I wish to go

there," said Mahomet.

With "Shut your eyes!" the Prince flew through space,- with "Open

your eyes ! " he found himself on the shore of the island.

Alighting from his horse and putting the bridle in his pocket, he went

in search of the ox. Strolling about the island he met a Jew, who

asked him how he had got there.

114

They had just time enough to do it

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

" I have been shipwrecked/' answered the Prince ,• " the ship went down,
and it was only with great difficulty that I managed to swim here/'
" As for me/' said the Jew, " I am in the service of the Storm Fiend, who
has an ox here, which I guard day and night. Would you like to be
my servant ? All you have to do is to fill this trough with water every
day/'
i f HE Prince availed himself of the opportunity and was eager to get a
•' glimpse of the ox. The Jew took him to the stall, and as soon as
Mahomet was alone with the animal, he slit its stomach, took out the
golden cage, and went with all speed to the shore. Pulling the bridle out
of his pocket, he struck the waves therewith and his horse immediately
appeared and carried him to the Storm Fiend's palace." The Prince
lifted his wife up beside him and ordered : ■" To the emerald anka."
They arrived at the anka's palace just as the Dew awoke from his sleep.
Seeing that the Princess was gone, he hastened after them. The Sultan's
daughter felt the wind of the Dew, and knew that he had nearly over-
taken them. At this crisis the magic horse cried out to them to cut off
the head of the dove which was in the cage. They had just enough time
to do it ,■ a moment more and it would have been too late ! The wind
suddenly ceased, for the fiend was now destroyed.

Full of joy they entered the palace of the anka, released the magic
horse and left it to rest. Next day they went to the second sister, and
on the third day to the third sister. The Prince now made the pleasing
discovery that his lion brother-in-law was king of the lions and his tiger
brother-in-law king of the tigers.

Finally they came to the Princess's own home. Their wedding was
celebrated afresh for forty days and forty nights, after which they went
to the Prince's kingdom. There he showed the dragon's ears and nose,
and as he had fulfilled his father's wish he was elected Padishah. After-
wards Mahomet and his wife lived and reigned together in happiness
until the end of their days,
116

^8 lauglj«jg<igpU

N olden time lived a
three sons. One day
sitting in a kiosk, near
there came an old woman
threw a stone at her jug
nothing the old woman
sently returned with
youth threw a stone and
woman went away as
third time. The boy saw
jug and broke it as on
sions. Now spake the
"May you fall in love
Apple and the Weeping
these words she dis-
A few days afterwards
woman began to take
actually in love with the
Weeping Apple. Day
weaker. As soon as his
he sent for the hodjas and
disposition was
One day a
that the youth

I Padishah who had
X as the youngest was
which was a spring,
to draw water. The boy
and broke it. Saying
went away, and pre-
another jug. Again the
shattered the jug. The
before, and returned a
her, threw a stone at her
the two previous occa-
old woman:

with the Laughing
Apple! "she said. With
appeared.

the words of the old
effect, and the King's son was
Laughing Apple and the
by day he grew paler and
father heard that he was ill,
physicians, but such an in-
beyond their skill,
physician told the Padishah
was love-sick. Upon this the

117

TURKISH FAlRy TALES

monarch went to his son and asked what ailed him. The youth answered
that he was in love with the Laughing Apple and the Weeping Apple.
■" What is to be done ? " asked the father. " Where are the two apples to
be found ? " Then said the youth : " With your permission I will go and
seek them." The Padishah endeavoured to dissuade him, but the youth
remained obstinate, determined at all costs to go in search of the apples.
As his two elder brothers were willing to accompany him the father at
length consented, and one day the party set out on their journey.
Up hill, down dale, and across the plains they wandered on, until one
day they came to a spring where three roads met. Here was a notice
set up for the information of travellers to the effect that whoever took
the first road would return, whoever took the second road might return
or not return,- whoever took the third road would never return. The
eldest of the brothers said he would take the first road, the middle
brother elected to take the doubtful road, while the youngest was
willing to take the road which promised no return. Ere they separated
the youngest said : " How may we know which of us returns first ?
Let us take off our rings, put them under this stone, and as we return
let each one take up his ring again." Thus they agreed, and set out
on their several ways.

The eldest walked on and on until he reached a land where there was
a swimming-bath, and he engaged himself as a servant. The middle
brother also wandered on and on until he came to a land where there
was a coffee-house,- he entered and became an attendant.
Now we will see how the youngest fared. After long journeying he
arrived one day at a spring where he saw an old woman drawing water.
He accosted her with the words : " Mother, could you give me shelter
just for to-night ? " She answered : " My son, I have only a small hut,
so small that when I lie down my feet are outside,- where then could
I put you ? ■" He showed the old woman a handful of gold, and
begged her to find room for him somewhere. As soon as she caught
118

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

palace

sight of the gold-pieces she
a ilarge house. For whom
you ? " Accordingly they
As they sat at supper the
mother, where can I meet
and the Weeping Apple ? ■"
Hardly had the question left
struck him on the mouth
are forbidden here ! "
The youth offered her another
which she said : " Get up in
mountain opposite ,• there
the shepherd of the
and the Weeping
you? can win his
tance to the palace,
as you have ob-
the apples make
So next morning he
mountain and there
who was minding
him courteously,
turned the saluta-
versation the youth
about the Laughing
Weep-
were the
mouth

struck
the face
fell.

said : " Come, my son, I have
should I make room if not for
went home together,
youth asked : " Tell me,
with the Laughing Apple

his lips than the old woman
crying ; " Silence ! their names

handful of gold, on receiving
the morning and cross that
you will meet a shepherd-
in which the Laughing Apple
Apple are to be found. If
favour you may gain admit-
But take care, and as soon
tained possession of
haste back to me.''
went across the
found the shepherd,
his sheep. He greeted
and the man re-
tion. While in con-
asked the shepherd
Apple and the
ing Apple. Hardly
words out of his
than the shepherd
him so violently in
that he nearly
)in^ "Why do

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

you strike me, shepherd ? "
questions? I'll soon silence
he struck him in the face,
before, and gave the shep-
Being thus placated, the
youth ; " I will now kill
make a leathern bottle
into the skin. When it
and I drive the sheep
the palace, you can go
the sheep. At night when
body is asleep go up to
floor and steal unob-
into the chamber on the
There lies the Sultan's
in bed, and the apples
found on the shelf near
you can get them away,
but if not, it is all over
you.

The shep-
herd ac- v_ , ^^^-1 ^^^ f '^xw'

sheep, hid

the youth in its skin and drove the sheep to the serai. The youth

succeeded in entering without discovery.

When night came on and everybody was asleep, the youth stole forth

from the skin of the sheep, and crept carefully and slowly to the first

floor. Entering the chamber indicated by the shepherd, he saw therein

a bed on which lay a lovely maiden, beautiful as the moon at the full.

120

asked the youth. "What! You still ask

you ! " answered the shepherd, and again

But the youth pleaded more earnestly than

herd a handful of gold.

shepherd said to the

a sheep, so that I may

of its skin," slip you

is evening

home to

in with

every-

the first

served

r i g h t .

daughter

will be

her. If

it is well,-

i t h

The youth was beside himself with astonishment

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

She had black eyebrows, blue eyes, and golden hair ,- her equal surely
did not exist in the world. So beautiful was she that the youth was
beside himself with astonishment. While he gazed upon the maiden, one
of the two apples on the shelf began to laugh, the other to weep bitterly.
The youth shut the door quickly and ran back to the sheep. The noise
made by the apples awakened the maiden. She got up, and seeing no
one, looked about the room, scolded the apples for their stupidity, and
lay down again.

After a while the maiden fell asleep once more, and the youth went
upstairs, opened the door slowly and carefully, and entered. He took
a few steps towards the apples, and again one began to laugh, the
other to weep. The maiden woke up, but saw no one. " you naughty
creatures ! " she cried ,• " this is the second time you have waked me ,•
if you do so again I shall cut you through."" Then she lay down again.
When she was asleep the youth came again, opened the door, went
straight to the apples, and as he took them from the shelf they began
to laugh and weep. But the youth ran off, and when the maiden
awoke for the third time there was nothing to be seen. " Vou impudent
creatures ! "" she cried ,■ " have you gone mad that you have waked me up
a third time ? " She struck them both and lay down again.
A short time afterwards the youth came a fourth time to the apartment,
went to the shelf and took down the apples, which now made no
sound, being angry at the treatment they had received. Quickly he
made his exit and returned to the sheep.

When morning dawned the shepherd led his flock to the mountain.
Then the youth crept out of the sheepskin, gave the shepherd another
handful of gold, and saying " It was Allah's will ! " went back to the
house of the old woman. When she saw the youth she filled a large
basin with water, then killed a fowl and let its blood flow into the vessel.
This done she put a plank into the water and set the youth upon it.
We will now return to the serai. When the maiden awoke, she saw
122

TURKISH FAlRy TALES

that the apples were no longer on the shelf. " Oh, what has become
of my apples ? " she exclaimed, searching everywhere, but without avail.
"" Woe is me ! my apples have been stolen. Three times they woke me,
but I did not understand. A thief has been here ! "
i tHE maiden wept continually and sighed: " Oh, my apples! Oh, my
*■ apples ! " When it came to the ears of her father, the Padishah, he
ordered the gates of the city to be closed immediately, and a thorough
search was instituted, but nowhere could the apples be found. He
sent for the astrologers, who, consulting the stars, announced that he
who had stolen the apples was at that moment in a ship on a sea of
blood. " Oh, Padishah ! " they said, " he must be very far away, for
we know not where there is such a sea of blood." The monarch
realized that there was no chance of catching the thief, so the city
gates were opened again.

The youth presented the old woman with a few more gold-pieces, and
commending her to Allah, he set off again in search of further adventures.
Some days later he found himself by the spring where he had parted from
his brothers. Lifting the stone under which they had put their rings, he
saw that neither of his brothers had yet returned. Replacing his own ring
on his finger, he now set out along the road taken by his middle brother.
He wandered on and on, up hill, down dale, and across the plains, drinking
water from the river, resting in the desert, listening to the song of the
nightingales, till one day he came to a certain country. Entering a town
he sought out a coffee-house, and while drinking coffee and smoking
his chibouque he recognized his middle brother serving coffee. His
brother, however, knew him not. Calling him aside, he spoke to him,
asking him so many questions that at length the elder recognized his
brother. Then they both set off together and in due time arrived at the
spring. The second ring was taken up and the pair now resolved to look
for their eldest brother. They discovered him eventually, and made them-
selves known to him, and now all three returned to the spring.

123

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

On the way they asked the youngest whether he had secured the apples.
" Of course/' answered he, and brought them forth. They had hardly
glanced at the two apples than they fell in love with them, and begged
their brother to let them hold the apples in their hands. The youth com-
plied and gave them up. Being now in possession of the magic fruit, the
two elder resolved to kill their youngest brother and divide the apples
between them.

They went to a coffee-house, where they sat down in the garden, and
after ordering something to eat, asked the proprietor for a mat. In the
garden was an open well,- this they covered with the mat, and their
youngest brother <not knowing of the well) sat on the mat and fell down
to the bottom. The others, affecting not to notice his disappearance, ate,
drank, and smoked, and eventually rose up and went away. When they
arrived home their father asked what had become of his youngest son-
The brothers answered that they had found the Laughing Apple and the
Weeping Apple, but their youngest brother had taken the way from
which there was no returning, and consequently they had seen him no
more. The father shed tears, but hoped that if his son were still living
he would find his way home before long.

Now, when the youth fell down the well, which was dry, he was
not killed, but merely stunned. He soon returned to consciousness, and
shouted several times in the hope of being heard. The coffee-house
keeper happened to be taking a walk in the garden. Hearing the cry he
sent down a man to bring up the youth. Thanking his rescuer cordially
the youth went his way, but not to his father's house,- instead, he
offered himself as apprentice to a tinsmith.

One day the Padishah whose daughter's apples had been stolen ordered
a rosary of a thousand beads to be made, and this he sent by the hands
of his servants into all countries. The magic power of this rosary was
such that he who had stolen the apples would, on telling the beads, relate
a full account of the incident.
124

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

At length the rosary reached the land where the three brothers lived.
When the youth heard of it he informed his master, the tinsmith, that
he would tell the beads. Word was sent to the Padishah's servants,
who brought him the rosary and requested him to begin. The youth
said he was willing to do so, but only in the presence of the Padishah of
that land.

E was brought before the Padishah, to whom the affair was explained.
The monarch consented to be a witness, and the rosary was handed
to the youth, who began his task. He related a complete account of his
adventures in search of the apples, and when he came to the part about
his brothers casting him down the well, the rosary was finished. Now
^ the Padishah, recognising his son, fell on his neck and kissed him, weeping
for joy.

The strangers begged the Padishah to allow his youngest son to return
with them, and consent was given ,- not, however, until the two wicked
brothers had been severely punished. They started on their long journey
and after many days came to the home of the apples. There the
youth was taken before the Padishah, who as soon as he saw him felt
his heart go out to the young Prince. The monarch ordered him to tell
the beads before him.

Once more the youth related his adventure with the apples. When the
story was ended the Padishah offered him his daughter in marriage, so
that both the youth and the maiden might rejoice in the possession of
the apples they both loved. Very willingly the young Prince consented ,•
and with festivities lasting forty days and forty nights the lovers were
united.
As they attained happiness, we will now seek our divan.

♦

125

jy, ^jj£)ar:

[HERE was
' who had a son.
the whole day
catching birds
One day the
the boy was
world. He did
his father's oc-
been, until one
some things his
he came across
Taking it up
the forest and
tree. Soon a

once a man
The man spent
in the wood,
which he sold,
father died and
left alone in the
not know what
cupation had
day among
parent had left
a bird ■ trap,
he went to
set it in a
crow flew by.

alighted on the tree and was caught. The boy climbed up and was
about to seize the bird, when it begged him to set it free in exchange for
a much more beautiful and more valuable bird. It pleaded so earnestly
that at length the boy liberated it.

He set the trap again and sat down at the foot of the tree to wait.
Very soon another bird flew to the tree and was caught in the trap.
The boy was astonished at its beauty ,• never in his life had he seen such
a lovely bird. Regarding it from all sides, he caressed it, and was about
to carry it home when the crow flew near him and said : " Take this bird
to the Padishah ,• he will buy it." So the boy put the bird in a cage and
transported it to the palace. On seeing the beautiful little creature the
Padishah was so pleased that he gave the boy more gold than he knew
what to do with. The bird was placed in a golden cage and the Padishah
amused himself with it day and night.

The Padishah had a lala who was envious of the boy's fortune and
126

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

racked his brains to
for depriving him of
went to the Padi-
" How beautiful this
in an ivory kiosk ! "
swered the Padi-
could I get sufficient
who brought you
procure you the
crafty lala.
The Padishah sent
catcher and commanded him
build a kiosk for the bird-
the youth, " wherever can I
is your affair/' answered
forty days in which to collect
time, I will have your head
In deep trouble the youth
While he was absorbed in
and asked the cause of his
the crow what misfortune
him. " Sorrow not," returned
Padishah and ask him for
The youth went to the palace
he was coming away with
said: "Near the forest are
the elephants come there to
wine into the troughs, and
are lying stupefied on the
and take them to the King."

think of a plan
it. One day he
shah and said :
bird would look
"But, lala," an-
shah, " where

ivory I

the bird can also
ivory," said the

for the bird-
to procure enough ivory to
"But, Padishah," protested
get so much ivory ? " " That
the King. " I will g\wz you
it: if it is not here by that
off."

left the monarch's presence,
thought the crow appeared
grief The bird-catcher told
the little bird had caused
the crow, "but go to the
forty waggons of wine."
and obtained the wine. As
it the crow flew up and
fort^ drinking-troughs. All
drink,- go and pour the
then when all the elephants
ground, cut off their tusks

'jtje W«©vl »«g^i Ijiuj \o ^©t Wm fC

127

c«e

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

The youth acted according to the crow's instructions, and took the forty
waggons loaded with ivory back to the palace. The King was so
delighted with the quantity of tusks that he rewarded the bird-catcher
lavishly. The kiosk was soon built and the bird put in. The beautiful
creature hopped about joyously in its new home, but it did not sing.
" If its master were here," suggested the wily lala," it would have the
desire to sing.'' " Who knows who was its owner and where he can
be found ? " answered the King sadly. " He who brought you the ivory
can surely discover the owner of the bird," said the lala.
So the Padishah called the youth and ordered him to find out the former
owner of the bird. " How should I know who was its owner ? " said the
bird-catcher, " I caught it in the wood." " That is your affair," returned
the King. " If you do not find him, you shall be put to death. I will
gwt you forty days to seek him."

The youth went home and wept most bitterly ,- but the crow appeared
and inquired why he sorrowed. The poor youth told his story. " That
trifle is not worth so many tears," replied the crow. " Go immediately
to the King and request a large ship, large enough to accommodate
forty maidens, with a garden and also a very beautiful bath on board."
The bird-catcher went to the Padishah and told him what was required
for the voyage. The ship was built according to his wish. The youth
went aboard, and while he was considering whether he should sail to
the right or to the left, the crow once more appeared. " Sail always to
the right," he instructed, "and stop not until you come to a high
mountain. At the foot of this mountain dwell the forty peris. When
they see your ship they will all desire to inspect it. However you
must let only the queen come on board, for she is the owner of the
little bird. While you are showing her the ship, set sail and stop not
again until you have arrived home."

So the youth sailed away in his ship, bore always to the right and stayed
not until he reached the mountain. There on the seashore the forty peris
128

The Queen is entrapped

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

were taking a ^57aIk, and as soon as they spied the ship they wished to
inspect it. The Queen begged the birdcatcher to let them see the interior
of the vessel, as they had never seen a ship before. The Queen only, how-
ever, was permitted to come aboard, and a canoe was sent to the shore
to fetch her. The fairy was delighted with the beautiful ship. She walked
the deck, promenaded in the garden, and seeing the bath exclaimed ; " As
I am here I will also bathe."

So she went into the bath, and while she was therein the ship set sail.
By the time the Peri had finished her bath the ship was already far out at
sea. Hurrying on deck she saw they were almost out of sight of land,
and she broke into loud cries of despair. What would happen to her ?
Where were they taking her? The youth, endeavouring to console her,
told her that she was going to good people and to a royal palace.
Soon they reached the town whence the ship had set out, and the
Padishah was told of the vess.el's safe arrival. The fairy was conducted
to the palace, and when she passed the bird's kiosk it began to sing so
ravishingly that every one hearing it was enraptured. The fairy was now
more at her ease, and she was completely reassured at meeting the Padishah,
who admired her so much that he was unable to take his eyes off her.
The marriage of the Padishah to the fairy took place soon afterwards,
and the King was now the happiest man in the world.
But the lala was bursting with rage.

One day the Queen was taken very ill. The medicine that would cure
her illness was at home in her fairy palace, and the lala promptly advised
that the birdcatcher should be sent to fetch it. Accordingly he embarked,
but when about to set sail the crow appeared and inquired whither he
was bound. The youth replied that the Queen was ill, and that he was
going to her fairy palace to fetch the medicine. "You will find the
palace on the other side of the mountain," said the crow. " Two lions
guard the door. Take this feather with you, and if you stroke their
maws with it, they will do you no harm."
130

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

The youth accepted the feather and set sail. Casting anchor before the
mountain, he soon sa^5C' the palace. He went up to the entrance where
stood the two lions, and when he stroked their maws with the feather
they withdrew. The fairies, seeing the young man, suspected that their
Queen was ill, so they gave him the medicine and he returned home again
without delay. As he entered the Peri's apartment with the medicine, the
crow alighted on his shoulder and thus they both stood before the patient.
The Queen had already nearly expired, but the moment she took the
medicine she revived. Opening her eyes, and seeing the bird-catcher with
the crow upon his shoulder, she addressed the latter and said :
" you hateful bird, have you then no pity for this poor young man that
you have caused him so i|^ 4 f much suffering ? "

Then the Queen told her Jj^B^tL ^"^^^"^ that this crow had
once been her fairy-servant, ^fc^JE^jIT whom she had changed into
a crow as a punishment >bB^9^ for her negligence.
" But now," said she, ad- i<X%^ dressing the bird, " I pardon

you, seeing that you still X love me."

uTr jd?nthij^*Ji.

;t»

131

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

On this the crow shook itself, and behold a lovely maiden stood before
the bird-catcher ! In accordance with the Queen's wish the King gave the
crowperi in marriage to the bird-catcher. The false lala was dismissed
from his post and the young bird-catcher was made Vezir. Thus they all
lived happily ever after.

132

HERR was once a Padishah
spent the whole day in the
When the youngest had corn-
father thought it was time
he called them together and
"We are willing to marry/'
only if we can meet with forty
father and mother." The
sought throughout his domi-
family, but in vain : the
sisters in all the land
" The fortieth will have
said the Padishah to
refused to agree to
their father to allow

who had forty sons, and they
forest, hunting and snaring birds,
pleted his fourteenth year their
they were getting married, so
spoke to them about the matter,
said the forty brothers, " but
sisters all having the same
Padishah therefore
nions for such a
greatest number of
was thirty-nine,
to take another,"
his sons. But they
that, and begged
them to travel in
133

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

foreign countries to seek the desired brides. What was the Padishah to
do? As he could not dissuade them, he grudgingly granted their
request. Before they set out, however, the Padishah said to them ; " There
are three things which you must bear well in mind. When you reach
a large spring, do not spend the night anywhere near it. Farther on is a
han,- do not spend the night there, either. Beyond thehan is a great plain,-
do not linger there a moment." The sons, promising to remember their
father's advice, mounted their steeds and rode away.
Smoking and talking, they wended their forward course, and as evening
drew on they came to the spring.

■" Now we take not a single step farther,'" observed the eldest. " We
are fatigued and it is night. Besides, what have forty men to fear ? "
So they alighted, ate their supper, and lay down to rest. The youngest,
the fourteen-year-old brother, kept watch, however. Towards midnight
he heard a rustling sound. Cautiously he drew his weapon, and as
the sound came nearer he saw a seven-headed dragon. Both beast and
youth rushed to attack one another. Three times the dragon wrestled
with the youth, but could obtain no advantage over him.

"Now it is my turn," cried the ,fl_,^^ Prince, and with these
words he struck the dragon such
a powerful blow that six
heads fell from his body.

134

i'^efi) {31)^3^45 ^^3,-^3 to roll.

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

"Strike once more," gasped the dragon. "Not I," returned the youth.
The dragon sank to the earth, and behold ! one of his heads began to
roll, and it rolled and rolled till it reached a well. " Let him who has
taken my life, take also my treasure,'' said the head as it fell down
the well.

The youth now took a rope, bound one end to a rock, and with it
let himself down the well. At the bottom he found an iron gate.
Opening it and entering, he saw a palace even more beautiful than
that of his father. In the palace were forty apartments, and in each
apartment sat a maiden at an embroidery table, near which immense
treasures were piled up.

" Are you a man or a jin ? " asked the terror-stricken maidens. " I
am a human being," answered the Prince. "I killed the seven-headed
dragon and came to this place by following one of his rolling heads."
Now the forty maidens rejoiced. They all embraced him and begged
him to remain with them. Incidentally they informed him that they
were forty sisters whom the dragon had stolen. He had killed their
parents, and now they had not a single friend or relation in the wide
world.

"We are forty brothers," said the Prince, "and seek forty maidens."
Then he told them he must ascend to his brothers, but that soon he would
come again to fetch them away. He came up from the well and went to
the spring, where he lay down and fell asleep.

Early next morning when the forty brothers awoke, they began to laugh
at their father's attempt to frighten them about the spring. They set off
again and continued their way until evening, when behold ! the han their
father had mentioned stood before them. " We go no farther to-night,"
said the elder Princes. The youngest, however, expressed the opinion
that it might be well to follow their father's advice, but the others would
not listen to him. They ate their supper, said their prayers, and lay down,
but the youngest kept watch as before.

135

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

Towards midnight he again heard a noise. With his drawn sword in
hand, the young Prince found himself confronting another seven-headed
dragon, larger and more frightful than the one he had slain the day before.
The dragon straightway attacked the youth, but without effect,- then the
youth fell on the dragon so furiously that six of his seven heads fell. The
monster begged for another blow as a coup de grace, but the Prince
declined. As on the previous occasion one of the heads rolled into a
well. The youth followed it and discovered a larger palace and greater
treasures. Noting the place, he returned to his brothers, lay down, and
fell asleep so soundly after the fatigues of his combat that his brothers had
to rouse him next morning.

Mounting their horses again they pursued their journey up hill and down
dale until by sunset they had reached a great plain. They ate and drank,
and were just going to lie down when suddenly an awful shriek was heard
and the mountains seemed to quake. Terror seized every one as they
caught sight of a gigantic seven-headed dragon, spitting fire and roaring :
" Who has killed my two brothers ? Bring him to me that I may slay
him!"

The youngest saw plainly that all his brothers were paralysed with^fear
and unable to do anything. He delivered to them the keys of both wells,
telling them to take home the forty maidens and the treasure. He
promised that when he had killed the dragon he would follow them. The
thirty-nine sprang on their horses and rode away.
Now we will return to the youngest.

The conflict between the Prince and the dragon was a stern one, and they
fought a long time without either overcoming the other. When the
dragon realized that the struggle was in vain he said to the Prince : " If
you will go to the land of Chinimatchin and bring me the Padishah's
daughter, I will spare your life." The Prince consented to the condition,
for he was too exhausted to continue the combat any longer.
Champalak— as the dragon was called— gave the Prince a bridle and
136

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

instructed him as follows :
horse, Ajgyr, grazes here :
on him, and command
land of Chinimatchin."
So the youth took the
magic horse. The golden-
through the air, and no
upon him than he said :
tan! Shut your eyes— open
there was the youngest
of Chinimatchin ! He
took off the bridle,
city.

Entering an old woman's
could find him lodgings,
old woman. She _ offered
pared some coffee. While
made inquiries as to the
country.

"A seven-headed dragon,"
"has fallen violently in
daughter. For years there
account and we cannot
ster." " And the Sultan's
tioned the Prince. "She
the Padishah's garden,''
man, " and away from it
step.

Next day the Prince
shah's garden and asked
him into his service. He

'"v callc

"Every day a magic
Catch him, put this bridle
him to take you to the

bridle and waited for the
hued steed came flying
sooner was the bridle laid
" Command me, little Sul-
your eyes ! " and behold
Prince in the far-off land
alighted from the horse,
and walked into the

hut, he asked whether she

" Willingly," answered the

him a seat, and pre'

he was drinking he

condition of the

said the old woman,
love with our Sultan's
has been war on her
get rid of the mon-
daughter ? " q u e s -
inhabits a kiosk in
answered the old wo-
she dares not stir a

went to the Padi-

the gardener to take

begged so earnestly

137

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

that at length the man took
pity upon him. "You have
no other duty but to water
the flowers," said the gardener.
The Sultan's daughter saw the
young man, and she called him
to the window, asking him how
he came to be in that land.
The young man told her that
his father was a Padishah, and
then he described his fight with
Champalak, and how he had
promised to bring him the Sul-
tan's daughter. "But fear not,"
continued the Prince, " my love
is much greater than that of the
dragon, and if you will come
with me, I know how to
destroy him."

The maiden had herself fallen
in love with the handsome

Prince, and moreover wished to escape from her constant imprison-
ment. Her trust in the Prince was so great that one night they left
the kiosk together in secret and repaired to Champalak's plain. On
the way they discussed what the maiden might do to discover the
dragon's talisman, for through that talisman the Prince meant to destroy
the monster.

We may imagine Champalak's joy when he saw the Sultan's daughter
before him. " What happiness that you have come ! What happiness
that you have come ! " he repeated again and again, as he caressed the
Princess, who was weeping all the time. Days and weeks elapsed, but
138

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

the Princess never dried her
tears. " If you would at least
tell me what your talisman is,"
she said one day to the dragon,
"perhaps my days would not be
darling/' replied the dragon," it
of access. In a certain country
whoever gets into it never gets
Prince needed to know. He
sea, and the goldenhued steed
■" What is your command, little
" To the palace of the dragon's
"Shut your eyes— open your
palace. As the Prince dis-
to him :

" Fasten my bridle to the iron
I neigh once, knock the rings
The gate is a lion's jaw, and if
a single blow of your sword,
last hour has come."
Accordingly the Prince fastened
and when it neighed the gate
gaping jaws of the lion a stout
der. This done he cut open its
cage containing three doves, so
never been seen before. Taking

quite so wearisome." " My

is guarded in a place impossible

there is a large palace and

out again." This was all the

took his bridle, threw it in the

appeared.

Sultan?"

talisman ! "

eyes ! " and there he was at the

mounted, the magic horse said

rings at the palace gate. When
together and the gate will open,
you can cut it asunder with
you are safe. Otherwise your

the magic horse to the rings,
opened. The Prince struck the
blow and split the creature asun-
stomach, and took therefrom a
beautiful that their equals had
one in his hand he stroked its

Jf 1l]^/4,c4^yJ^1^^ev^ft i^^Je

139

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

plumage, caressed it, and prr-r ! it suddenly flew away. If the magic
horse had not quickly flown after it, caught it, and wrung its neck, the
Prince would never have met his lady-love again.

Now he remounted his magic horse. "Shut your eyes— open your
eyes ! " and he found himself once more at Champalak''s palace. At the
gate the youth killed the other two doves, and as he went in the dragon
fell an inert mass to the floor. Seeing the dead doves in the Prince's hand
he implored him to let himi stroke them once more before he died. The
youth, seized with pity, was about to offer the birds to the dragon when
the Sultan's daughter ran in and tore them away. Upon this the dragon
perished miserably. " Fortunate it was for you," said the magic horse,
"that you did not give him the birds,- new life for him was in their
touch." As there was no further use for it, the bridle now disappeared,
and with it the magic horse.

The Prince and the Sultan's daughter gathered together all the Dragon's
treasures and bore them to the land of Chinimatchin.
The Padishah had become quite ill through worrying about the dis-
appearance of his daughter. Search had been made for her throughout
the length and breadth of his dominions, but as she could not be found
the Padishah had come to the conclusion that she had fallen into the
power of the dragon. When the Princess appeared again safe and
sound, he gladly gave her in marriage to the Prince, and the wedding was
celebrated with great rejoicings. After the honeymoon they set out, with
a brilliant retinue of soldiers, for the palace of the Prince's father. The
Prince was thought to have died long ago, and his claim to be indeed the
Prince would hardly have been accepted, had he not related the story of
the three dragons and the forty sisters. His thirty-nine brothers married
thirty-nine of the sisters, the fortieth becoming the wife of the Princess of
Chinimatchin's brother, and henceforth they all lived in the greatest
happiness.

140

I^mer-l^j , W)^J^|£^i^t^<^^^

HKRE was once a
found a little insect.
The Padishah called
examined the tiny
it be? What could
day an animal was
ance, and by thus
until it was as big as
it and skinned it, hang-
palace gate. The Padi-
clamation that who-
rectly to what animal
should receive the
marriage.

A great crowd col-
the skin from all sides,
wise enough to answer
story of the skin
until it reached the
is exceedingly
thought he to
nothing to eat for
shall be able to
the Princess.^' So
shah, told him the
ture, and imme-
the maiden.
" Woe is me ! "
shah, "how can

Padishah who one day

his lala and they both
creature. What could
it feed on? Every
killed for its susten-
living it grew and grew
a cat. Then they killed
ing up the skin on the
shah now issued a pro-
ever could guess cor-
the skin belonged
Sultan's daughter in

lected and examined

but no one was found

the question. The

spread far and wide

ears of a Dew. " That

fortunate for me,'"'

himself, " I have had

three days,- now I

satisfy myself with

he went to the Padi-

name of the crea-

diately demanded

groaned the Padi-

I give this Dew my

141

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

only daughter?" He offered him, in ransom for her, as many slaves as
he liked, but all in vain ! The Dew insisted on having the Sultan's
daughter. Therefore the Padishah called the maiden and told her to
prepare for the journey, as her kismet was the Dew. All weeping and
wailing were fruitless. The maiden put on her clothes, while the Dew
waited for her outside the palace.

The Padishah had a horse that drank attar of roses and ate grapes ,-
Kamer-taj, or Moon-horse, was its name. This was the creature on
which the Sultan's daughter was to accompany the Dew to his abode.
A cavalcade escorted her a portion of the way and then, turning, rode
back. Now the maiden offered up a prayer to Allah to deliver her from
the fiend.

Suddenly the Moon-horse began to speak : " Lady, fear not ! shut both
your eyes and hold my mane firmly." Hardly had she shut her eyes

when she felt
and when she
found herself in
palace on an
sea.

The Dew was
at the dis-
of the maid,
mind!" he said,
find her," and
way home
Not far from
Prince sat in a

the horse rise with her,
opened her eyes again she
the garden of a lovely
island in the midst of the

very angry
appearance
•"Still, never
" I will soon
went his
alone.

the island a
canoe with

|kJy,pa.^ wot ; cutd I lie llJconticB?*

142

The Prince sees the reflection

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

his lala. The Prince, seeing on the calm surface of the water the
reflection of the golden-hued steed, said to his lala that perhaps some one
had arrived at his palace. They rode to the island, got out of the canoe,
and entered the garden. Here the youth saw the beautiful Princess,
who, however much she essayed to veil her face, could not succeed in
hiding from him her loveliness.

" Oh, Peri ! " said the Prince, " fear me not ,• I am not an enemy \" "I
am only a Sultan's daughter, a child of man and no Peri," announced the
Princess, and told the Prince how she had been delivered from the Dew.
The Prince assured her that she could not have come to a better place.
His father also was^a Padishah,- with her permission he would take her
to him, and by the grace of Allah he would make her his wife. So they
went to the Padishah, the Prince told him of the maiden's adventure, and
in the end they were married, merriment and feasting lasting forty days
and forty nights.

For a time they lived in undisturbed bliss, but war broke out with a
neighbouring kingdom and, in accordance with the custom of that period,
the Padishah also must set out for the campaign. Hearing of this the
Prince went to his father and asked permission to go to the war. The
Padishah was unwilling to consent, saying : " You are young, also you
have a wife whom you must not forsake." But the son begged so
assiduously that in the end the Padishah agreed to stay at home and let
Prince go in his stead.

The Dew discovered that the Prince would be on the battlefield, and
he also made the further discovery that during his absence a son and a
daughter had been born to him.

At that time Tartars were employed as messengers and carried letters
between the Padishah at home and the Prince at the seat of war. One
of these messengers was intercepted by the Dew and invited into a coffee-
house. There the Dew entertained him so long that night came on.
The messenger now wished to be off, but was persuaded that it would be
144

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

better to remain till morning. At midnight,
while he was asleep, the Dew searched
his letter-bag and found a letter from the
Padishah to the Prince informing the
latter that a baby son and daughter
had come to the palace during his absence.
Tearing up this letter, the Dew wrote
another to the effect that a couple of
dogs had been born. " Shall we destroy
them or keep them till your return ? "
wrote the Dew in the false letter. This
missive he placed in the original enve-
lope, and in the morning the Tartar
arose, took his sack of letters, and went
into the Prince's camp.
When the Prince had read his father's
letter he wrote the following answer :
"Shah and father, do not destroy the
young dogs, but keep them until I re-
turn." This was given to the Tartar,
who set out on his return journey.
He was again met by the Dew, who enticed him into a coffeehouse and
detained him till next morning. During the night the Dew abstracted
the letter and wrote another, which said : " Shah and father, take my wife
and her two children and throw them down a precipice, and bind the
Moon-horse with a fifty-ton chain."

In the evening of the day following the Tartar delivered the letter to the
Padishah. When the Princess saw the Tartar she hastened joyfully to
the monarch that he might show her her husband's letter. The Padishah,
having read it, was astonished and dared not show it to the Princess, so
he denied that any letter had arrived. The woman answered : " I have

k 145

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

indeed seen the letter with my own eyes ,• perchance some misfortune has
happened to him and you are keeping it from me/' Then catching a
glimpse'of the letter she put forth her hand quickly and took it. Having
read it the poor woman wept bitterly. The monarch did his best to
comfort her, but she refused to remain longer in the palace. Taking her
children she left the city and went forth into the wide world.
Days and weeks passed away and she was without food to appease her
hunger or bed on which to rest her tired body, until worn out with fatigue
she could go no step farther. " Let not my children die of hunger ! " she
prayed. Behold ! instantly water gushed forth from the earth and flour fell
from the skies, and making bread with these she fed her children.
In the meantime the Dew heard of the woman's fate and set out
immediately to destroy the children. The Princess saw the Dew coming
and in her terrible agony she cried : " Hasten, my Kamer-taj, or I die ! "
In the far-off land the magic horse heard this cry for' help ,- he strained at
his fifty-ton fetters but could not break them. The nearer the Dew came
the more the poor Princess's anguish increased. Clasping her children to
her breast, she sent up another despairing cry to the Moon-horse. The
fettered steed strained still more at his chain, but it was of no avail.
The Dew was now quite close upon her, and for the last time the poor
mother shrieked with all her remaining strength. Kamer-taj, hearing it,
put forth all the force he could muster, broke his chain, and appeared
before the Princess. " Fear not, lady ! " he said, " shut your ^yzs, and
grasp my mane," and immediately they were on the other side of the ocean.
Thus the Dew went away hungry once more.

The Moon-horse took the Princess to his own country. He felt that his
last hour had now come, and told his beloved mistress that he must die.
She implored him not to leave her alone with her children. If he did, who
would protect them from the evil designs of the Dew ? " Fear not," the
horse comforted her, " no evil will befall you here. When I am dead,
off my head and set it in the earth. Slit up my stomach, and having
146

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

done this, lay yourself and your children within it." Saying these words
the magic horse breathed his last.

The Princess now cut off his head and stuck it in the ground, then opened his
stomach and laid herself and her children in it. Here they fell fast asleep.
When she awoke she saw that she was in a beautiful palace ,• one finer
than either her father's or her husband's. She was lying in a lovely bed,
and hardly had she risen when slaves appeared with water : one bathed
her, others clothed her. The twins lay in a golden cradle, and nurses
stood around them, soothing them with sweet songs. At dinner'time,
gold and silver dishes appeared laden with delicious Tood. It was like
a dream ,• but days and weeks passed away, weeks passed into months,
and the months into a year, and still the dream— if dream it was— did not
come to an end.

EANWHILR the war was over and the Prince hastened home. Seeing
nothing of his wife he asked his father what had become of her and her
children. The Padishah was astonished at this strange question. The
letters were. produced, and the Tartar messenger was sent for. Being
closely questioned he related the account of his meeting with the Dew on
both occasions. They now realized' that' the" Dew had tampered with the
messenger and the correspondence. There was no more thought of peace
for the Prince until he had discovered his wife. With that intention he
set out in the company of his lala.

They wandered on and on unceasingly. Six months had passed already,
yet they continued their way over hill and down dale, never stopping to
rest. One day they reached the foot of a mountain, whence they could
see the palace of the Moonhorse. The Prince was entirely exhausted and
said to his lala : " Go to that palace and beg a crust of bread and a little
water, that we may continue our journey."

When he reached the palace gate, the lala was met by two little children,
who invited him in to rest. Entering, he found the floor of the apartment
so beautiful that he hardly dared set his foot upon it. But the children

147

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

pulled him to the divan and
and drink were set before him.
ing that outside waited his
to take the refreshment.
"Father Dervish/'' said the
then you can take food to
drank coffee, and smoked,
to return to the Prince, the
mother about their guest.
Looking out of the window.
Prince her husband. She took
putting it in golden vessels
receiving it the Prince was
the service. He lifted the
set it on the ground, and it
its own accord. The same
dishes, and when the last had
invite the stranger to take
While this was happening
her children a
and sent them to
ceive the guests,
vish comes with
their m o i
such and such
dervish and

made him sit down while food
The lala excused himself, say-
tired son, to whom he wished

children, " eat first yourself,
your son."" So the lala ate,
and while he was preparing
children went to tell their

the Princess recognised the
food with her own hands, and
sent it out by the lala. On
struck with the richness of
cover of one of the dishes,
rolled back to the palace of
happened with the other
disappeared, a slave came to
coffee in the palace,
the Princess gave each of
wooden horse,
the gate to re-
"When the der-
his son," said
" take them to
apartment." The
son came up, the

hoc^ef Js««btil ^&m

148

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

two children on their wooden horses greeted them with a salaam and
escorted them to their apartments. Again the Princess took dishes of
food and said to the children: "Take these to our guests and press
them to eat. If they say they have already had sufficient and ask you
to partake of the food, answer that you also are satisfied, but perhaps
your horses are hungry, and put them to the table. They will then
probably ask, how can wooden horses eat ? And you must reply " <here
she whispered something into the children's ears).

The children did as their mother had commanded them. The food was
so delicious that the guests tried to eat a second time, but becoming
satisfied very soon, they asked : " "Will you not eat also, children ? "
" We cannot eat," answered the children, " but perhaps our horses are
hungry," so saying they drew them up to the table, " Children,"
remonstrated the Prince, " wooden horses cannot eat." " That you seem
to know," answered the children, " but apparently you do not know that
it is impossible for little dogs to become human children such as we are,"
The Prince sprang up with a cry of joy, kissed and embraced both his
children. His wife entering at the moment, he humbly begged her pardon
for the suffering she had experienced. They related to each other all that
had befallen them during the time of their separation, and their joy knew
no bounds. Now the Princess and her children prepared to accompany
the Prince back to his own kingdom. After they had gone some distance,
they turned to take a farewell look at the palace, and lo ! the wind swept
over the place as though no building had ever been there.
The Dew was lurking on the wayside, but the Prince caught him and
killed him, and after that they arrived home without further adventure.
Soon afterwards the old Padishah died, and the Prince became chief of
the land.

Three apples have fallen from the sky. One belongs to the storyteller,
the second to the listener, the third to me,

149

iHtK-H^lU

N very remote times

whose daughter was

her governess that she

side. One day, seeing

thought, the Princess

you thinking 1" "I have

governess. "What is

the Padishah's daugh-

it." " It is well," said

to the tscharschi, where

Sorrow in a cage. She

maiden, who was so de-

herself day and night

Some time afterwards

attended by her slaves.

She took with her the

she hung upon the

denly the bird commenced to speak.

while. Sultana," it pleaded, " that I

birds. I will come back again."

ingly set her favourite at liberty.

A few hours later, while the Princess

150

there lived a Padishah
so much attached to
scarcely ever left her
the latter deep in
asked: "Of what are
sorrow," answered the
sorrow ? " questioned
ter ,• " let me also have
the woman, and went
she bought a Bird of
presented it to the
lighted that she amused
with the creature,
the Sultan's daughter,
paid a visit to the Zoo.
bird in its cage, which
branch of a tree. Sud-
"Set me free a little
may play with the other
The Princess accord-
was sauntering idly

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

about the park, the bird returned, seized its mistress and flew off with
her to the top of a high mountain. " Behold ! this is sorrow," said the
bird/ "I will prepare more of it for you ! " Saying this he flew away.
The Princess, now hungry and thirsty, wandered about until she met a
herdsman, with whom she exchanged raiment, so that she might disguise
herself as a man for her better protection. After long wandering she
came to a village where, finding a coffee-house, she entered, and besought
the proprietor to engage her as his assistant. The former, regarding her
as a young man in need of employment, accordingly engaged her, and
towards evening went home, leaving her in charge of the house.
Having closed the shop, the girl lay down to sleep. At midnight, how-
ever, the Bird of Sorrow appeared, broke all the cups and saucers and
nargiles in the place, woke the maiden from her sleep, and thus addressed
her : " Behold ! this is sorrow ,- I will prepare more of it for you ! "
Having thus spoken he flew away as before. All night long the poor
girl lay thinking what she should say to her master on the morrow.
When morning came the proprietor returned, and seeing the woeful
damage done, beat his assistant severely and drove her away.
Her eyes filled with bitter tears, she set out once more, and ere many
hours arrived at a tailor's shop. As preparations were being made for
the great religious feast of Bairam, the tailor was busy in executing
orders for the serai. He was therefore in need of an extra hand, and
took the youth, as he supposed the girl to be, into his service. After a
day or two the tailor went away, leaving the maiden alone in the house.
When evening came she closed the shop and retired to rest. At mid-
night came the bird again, and tore to shreds all the clothes on the
premises, and waking up the girl, said : ■" Behold ! this is sorrow ,- I will
prepare still more of it for you ! " and flew off again. Next morning
brought the master, who seeing the clothing all torn up, called his
assistant to account. As the girl answered nothing, the master beat her
soundly and sent her away.

151

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

Weeping bitterly she once more set forth, and by and by came to a
fringe-maker's, where she was taken in. Being again left alone, she fell
asleep. The Bird of Sorrow reappeared, tore up the fringes, woke the girl,
made his customary speech, and flew away as on previous occasions.
When the master returned next morning and saw the mischief, he beat his
assistant more cruelly than ever, and dismissed her. Overwhelmed with

grief, the unhappy maiden
way. Feeling sure that
give her no peace, she
pass, where she lived in
suffering the pangs of
thirst, and in constant
beasts that haunted
nights were spent
branches of a tree.
One day the son of a
out hunting, espied the
Mistaking her for a
arrow at her, but
one of the branches,
the tree to reclaim his
zada observed that
supposed to be a bird
man. " Are you an
called out. "Neither
the response, "but a
like yourself." Where-

again took her lonely

the Bird of Sorrow would

went into a mountain

seclusion for many days,

hunger and

fear of the wild

the region. Her

in the leafy

Padishah, when
girl in the tree,
bird, he shot an
it merely struck
On approaching
arrow, the Shah-
what he had
appeared to be a
in or a jin ? " he
in nor jin," was
human creature
upon the Prince

permitted her to descend from the tree, and took the seeming herdsman to
the palace. Here, after bathing, she resumed the garments of a maiden.
Then the royal youth saw that she was beautiful as the moon at the full,
and straightway fell violently in love with her. Without delay he
152

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

besought his father,
consent to his wed-
Sultan commanded
brought into his
he gazed upon her
her loveliness and
The betrothal took
after a period of
forty days and forty
was celebrated. In
daughter was born
a child gentle and
giving early promise
lovely as its mother.
One midnight came the
besmeared the mother's lips
woke the Princess, and
ing away your child ,• and

prepare

for

you!

In the morning the Prince
and observed that his
stained. Going quickly to
he related the ominous
"From the mountain did
said the Padishah ,- " she is
the mountain and
fore I counsel you

away I

But

Prince pleaded for
wife and prevailed
father.

^e lui^tole tljc babg

the Padishah, to
ding with her. The
the maiden to be
presence, and as
wonderful beauty,
grace won his heart,
place forthwith ,• and
festivity lasting
nights the marriage
due time a little
to the princely pair,
fair to look upon, and
of becoming as

bird, stole the babe, and
with blood. Then it
said : " Behold, I am tak-
still more sorrow will I
saying the bird flew off.
missed his little daughter,
wife's lips were blood-
his father, the Padishah,
occurrence.

you bring the woman,"
forsooth a daughter of
eats human flesh ,• there-
to send her
devoted
his young
over his

153

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

Some time later another daughter was born to them, which also the bird
stole away under similar circumstances. This time the Padishah com-
manded that the mother should be put to death, though yielding at
length to the earnest entreaties of his son he grudgingly consented to
pardon her.

Time passed away, and eventually a son was born. The Prince, fearing
that if this child also should disappear his beloved wife would surely be
put to death, determined to lie awake at night and keep watch and ward
over his loved ones. Tired nature, however, insisted on her toll and the
Prince slept.

Meanwhile the bird returned, stole the babe, besmeared the Princess's
lips with blood as before, and flew away. When the poor mother awoke
and discovered her terrible loss, she wept bitterly ,• and when the Prince
also awoke and found the child missing and his wife's mouth and nose
dripping with blood, he hastened to his father with the awful intelligence.
The Padishah, in a violent rage, again condemned the woman to death.
The executioners were summoned ,- they bound her hands behind her and
led her forth to execution. But so smitten were they with her ravishing
beauty, and so stricken with pity for her sore affliction, that they said
to her :

" We cannot find it in our hearts to kill you. Go where you will, only
return not again to the palace."

The poor ill-fated woman again sought her mountain refuge, brooding
over her sad lot,- until one day the bird once more appeared, seized her
and carried her off to the garden of a grand palace.
Setting down his burden, the bird shook himself, and lo ! he was suddenly
transformed into a handsome youth. Taking her by the hand, he led the
disconsolate woman upstairs into the palace. Here a wonderful sight met
her eyes. Attended by many servants, three beautiful children, all radiant
and smiling, approached her. As her astonished gaze fell upon them, her
eyes filled with tears of joy and her heart melted with tenderness.
154

Ilillllllillll.lllllllllllllll.llLillllilllllllllllJIIHI llllllilill.ll illiilllU.UII I . 1,11 ilLilllil illl. nil, lilll.llii ILlim lllil.llll 111,1.

The Bird of Sorrow broke all the cups and saucers

TURKISH PAIRy TALES

Escorting the now happy and wondering
Princess into a stately apartment, richly
carpeted and furnished with all the art of the
luxurious Orient, the youth thus addressed
her: "Sultana, though I afflicted you with
much grief and sorrow, robbed you of your
precious children, and nearly brought you
to an ignominious death, yet have you
patiently borne it all and not betrayed me.
In reward I have built for you this palace,
in which I now restore to you your loved
ones. Behold your children ! Henceforth,
Sultana, I am your slave." The Princess
hastened with winged feet to her long-lost
children, embraced them, pressed them to
her bosom, and covered them with kisses.
How fared it with the Prince ?
Sorrowing for his children and for his beloved
wife, whom he believed to have been put to
death, he grew morose andmelancholy, pass-
ing the time with his old opium smoker, who
beguiled the hours with indifferent stories.
One day, having no more opium, the old man
requested the Prince's permission to go to
the tscharschi in order to buy more. On his
way thither he saw something he had never
before beheld : a large and magnificent serail !
" It is remarkable," thought the old fellow ,•
" I frequent this street daily, yet have I not
seen this palace before. "When can it have
been built ? I must inspect it."
156

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

The Sultana, whose palace it was, happened to be at one of the windows
and caught sight of her husband's opium smoker. The slave— formerly
her Bird of Sorrow— being in attendance, he respectfully suggested : " What
say you, lady, to playing a trick on the Prince's old story-teller? " At
these words he threw a magic rose at the feet of the greybeard. The
latter picked it up, inhaled its exquisite perfume, and muttered to himself:
" If your rose is so beautiful, how must it be with yourself! " So instead
of returning home he entered the palace.

The Prince in the meantime grew concerned over the prolonged absence
of the old man and sent his steward to look for him. The steward, arriving
before the palace, the door of which had been left open intentionally by
the slave, went in to look round. A number of female slaves received him
and led the way up the stairs. At the top he was handed over to the
magician slave, who requested him to remove his outer robe and precede
him. The robe was taken off without difficulty, but the steward was
astonished to find that in spite of all his efforts he was quite unable to
remove his fez. At this the magician ordered him to be cast out " for refusing
to take off his fez." The steward was therefore forcibly ejected. But no
sooner was he outside than— wonderful to relate— the fez fell from his head
of its own accord ! ■ On his way home he overtook the old opium smoker.
Meanwhile the Shahzada was troubled at the non-return of his steward
and dispatched his treasurer after him. The treasurer met both on the
road and demanded to know what had befallen them. The old opium
smoker answered somewhat enigmatically : " If a rose be thrown from
that palace, take care not to smell it, or the consequences be on your
own head." And the steward warned him no less mysteriously : " When
you enter that palace, be sure to leave your fez at the door ! "
The treasurer considered the behaviour of both his companions some-
what peculiar, but taking their warning lightly he entered the palace.
Inside he was ordered to don a dressing-gown before proceeding upstairs.
Commencing to undress for the purpose, he discovered that his schalwar

157

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

refused to part company with his person. Consequently he was uncere-
moniously thrown out of the palace. Hardly, however, was he outside
than his schalwar came offby itself !

The Prince becoming unable longer to endure the unaccountable absence
of his servants, set out himself to discover, if possible, what had happened
to them. On the way he met all three, who counselled him in an
excited manner : " If a rose be thrown to you from the palace, be care-
ful not to smell it ,- when you enter, be sure to leave your fez at the
door,- and before you arrive there, take off your schalwar and enter
without it ! "

The Prince was exceedingly puzzled at such extraordinary advice, yet he
straightway went to the serail and disappeared from sight within the
portal. Unlike his servants, the Prince was received with every mark of
honour and respect, and conducted to a noble hall. Here a lady of
remarkable beauty, surrounded by three lovely children, awaited him.
The lady gave to her eldest child a stool, to the second a towel, and
to the youngest a tray ,- into the tray she put a bowl, into the bowl
a pear, and beside it a spoon. The eldest set the stool on the floor,
the second offered the towel to the Prince, while the youngest sat
himself down in the bowl. The Prince then inquired of the children:
"How long has it been the custom to eat pears with a spoon?"
" Since human beings have eaten human flesh," they answered in chorus.
The chord of memory was struck,- the past flashed before the mind's
eye of the Prince. Here the magician appeared and cried : " Oh Prince,
behold thy Sultana ! Behold also thy children ! " "Whereat all— father,
mother, and children— fell on each other's necks weeping for joy.
The magician continued : " My Shahzada, I am your slave ,- if, however,
you deign to give me my liberty, I will hasten to my own parents."
Overflowing with gratitude for their reunion, they immediately set the
magician slave free and prepared a new festival, happy in the knowledge
that henceforth they would never be parted from each other.
158

JiSrar)cl) and tKeJtSeaacLT

HERE was once a Padish
resolved to make a journey
out, however, he called his
order that our departure may
ing a resemblance to me and
Vezir asked how such a man
wander about the town for a
"and we shall find one."
proceeded to carry the pro-
Entering an inn for refresh-
ken fellow who was the
shah. Accordingly they took
told him to let the man
dazed, and when night came
the street. This was done,
Padishah sent the Vezir to
in a basket to the palace,
washed, clothed in royal
the Padishah's own bed.
ready for the monarch and
their journey.

When the drunken fellow
saw that he was in the

, being very dull at home,
with his Vezir. Before setting
Vezir and said to him : " In
be unknown, find a man bear-
set him on the throne." The
should be found. "Let us
few days," said the Padishah,
Disguising themselves, they
posal into effect,
ment, they saw there a drun-
very image of the Padi-
the landlord aside and
drink until he was quite
to throw him out into
and at midnight the
bring the man secretly
There the fellow was
vestments, and laid in
Now everything was
his Vezir to commence

awoke next morning he

King's palace. "What

159

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

has befallen me?" he asked himself. "Perhaps I am dreaming, or
perhaps I am dead and in heaven/' After these reflections he clapped
his hands, and immediately slaves brought him a wash-basin and a
can of water. Having washed, he drank coffee, and lighted his chibouque.
■" I must have become Padishah," he mused. As it was Friday the
servants begged him to be pleased to say where the selamlik should
be held. In the quarter where he used to live was a djami, so he
decided that the selamlik should be held there, and all hurried away to
make the necessary preparations.

A fortnight had elapsed since the drunkard had left his own home,
and when his wife heard that the Padishah was coming to the local
djami she prepared a petition, which she handed to him as he was
leaving the mosque after the selamlik. The Padishah took the petition
and read as follows: "Oh Padishah! I have a husband who does
nothing but drink night and day. He has not been home now for
fifteen days, nor sent me any money for provisions, so that we are
dying of hunger." The Padishah immediately gave orders that the
woman's dwelling should be pulled down and rebuilt on a better plan,
and also that a monthly pension of five hundred piastres should be
paid to her. This was done.

The new Padishah had three enemies : the innkeeper who threw him out
into the street when he was drunk, the butcher who had beaten him
because he could not pay for the meat he had bought on credit, and a
restaurant-keeper who would give him no food. He gave orders that
these should be beheaded, and this was done.

In the meantime the real Padishah and his Vezir had already travelled a
considerable distance. One day they came to a valley, where they
decided to stop and rest awhile. In the stream that flowed through the
valley they found an apple, which they ate. Now the Padishah
recollected that when setting out he had taken an oath to do nothing
that was forbidden while on his journey. This gave him uneasiness,
160

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

since he had no means of knowing whether it was permitted to eat the
apple or not. " There is nothing for it/' said the Padishah, " but to go
to the owner and obtain permission now."

S they went along they came across a farmer ploughing. Greeting
him, they told him about the apple, and when the story was finished,
the farmer showed them an orchard with apple-trees from one of which
had fallen the apple they had eaten. He also pointed out the house in
which lived the owner of the orchard, and to this building the Padishah
and his Vezir went immediately. They knocked at the door, which was
opened by an old woman, and to her also they related the incident of
the apple. The old woman, saying that the apple-trees belonged to
'her daughter, went to consult her about the matter. The daughter
sent back a message that if the man would marry her, permission to
eat the apple was granted. The Padishah considered the question and
finally agreed to make the maiden his wife.

When she heard this the old woman said : " Then I must tell you that
my daughter''s legs and arms are crooked, she is bald-headed, and
altogether so ugly that no man can bear the sight of her." "Never
mind," replied the Padishah, " I will fulfil my promise." He instructed
his Vezir to arrange for the wedding that very day, as next morning
they must be off again. They now went to a neighbouring han to
prepare for the marriage.

As soon as the maiden was presented to him, the Padishah was
wonderstruck. "My Sultana," exclaimed he, "your mother said you
were ugly ,- while, behold, you are the loveliest creature in the world ! "
The maiden said that her mother was accustomed always to speak of
her in that fashion.

The wedding took place, and next day the Vezir reminded the Padishah
that they must proceed. The monarch, however, replied that he had
made up his mind to remain at the han four or five days longer. As
a matter of fact, he remained forty days, and on the forty-first he said

1 161

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

to his wife : " My Sultana, I cannot remain here longer ,• I must go. If
you should have a son, when he is grown up bind this amulet to his
arm, send him into such and such a country, and tell him to inquire for
Ogursuz and Hajyrsyz/' These were the names the Padishah and his
Vezir had decided to use upon their travels.

They mounted their A horses and rode away.

Soon they met the 4fr farmer, of whom they

took leave, stopping ^J^VV ^°^ again until they

reached home. Having jJ^^^C^^^^^K arrived at the palace,
the first thing to do ^^g \V ^SS^ \^ S§^ ^^^ ^° S^t "d of the

he said, ^ | ^ f^inf ^-^^ and closed
his eyes ^J}<^ feO^^'^'f nicKgcl JjUtJ again. Pre-
sently he ixVlC&CeKnOV\lovA^^liJsig clapped hjs
hands, w^w/*-»'0 *^ whereupon

the new innkeeper appeared, asking: "Who is there?" The drunkard
commanded him to cease jesting or he would be hanged immediately.
".Open the door,- I am the Padishah," he called loudly. The landlord
opened the door, and seeing the drunkard kicked him unceremoniously
away. The latter in a towering rage exclaimed :
162

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

" you rascal ,• I am the Padishah, and I will certainly hang you for this."
For answer the innkeeper took a stick and belaboured the self-styled
Padishah until he was insensible, after which he was taken to the
madhouse.

Meanwhile the Padishah observed to his Vezir :

" Oh, lala, we brought the man to the palace, and after he had served
our purpose we cast him away. Go now and see what has become
of him." The Vezir went accordingly to the innkeeper and learned
that the drunken fellow had gone mad and been taken to the lunatic
asylum. Going next to the lunatic asylum the Vezir heard the man
shouting continually that he was the Padishah, and had been nearly
beaten to death. The Vezir told him he must not say he was the
Padishah, or it would be the worse for him. Seeing the force of this,
the man went to the overseer of the establishment and said : *" Sir, 1
am a drunkard and not the Padishah." After this confession he was
regarded as no longer insane, and accordingly set at liberty.
His first thought was to go home, but hardly had his wife set eyes on
him than she cried :

"Get out of my sight, you graceless fellow. Where have you been
all this time? You have heard no doubt that the Padishah has built
me a new house and granted me a pension, and so now you come to
share it ! " The woman would not have let him in, but the Vezir
happened to be passing and heard the angry altercation. Going up to
her he said: "Let thy husband in, or all shall be taken from thee
again." Recognising the Vezir, the woman's courage failed her and she
let her husband into the house.

Leaving this worthy couple in peace, we will now return to the
proprietress of the orchard. In due time a son was born to her. When
he grew up his mother, remembering the Padishah's instructions, called
her son to her. " Your father," she said, " left you this amulet, saying
that when grown up you were to go to his 'country and inquire for

163

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

Ogursuz and Hajyrsyz/' Hearing this the youth took the amulet and
prepared for the journey.

On the way he met the farmer, with whom he rested a little. During
their conversation the farmer told the youth that Ogursuz was his friend,
and he counselled him not to go alone. The boy consented to take the
farmer's son with him, and the two set out again. By and by they came
to a well, and being overcome with thirst the farmer's son said to the
youth : " I will first let you down the well that you may drink ,• after'
wards you shall let me down." The Shahzada accordingly was lowered
into the well, but when he had quenched his thirst and was ready to
return to the top, the farmer's son called down to him : " Swear you
will say that I am the son of Ogursuz and that you are the son of the
farmer, also promise never to reveal the truth, or you shall remain
where you are." As he was helpless, the Shahzada swore accordingly
and was drawn to the surface.

They proceeded farther and in a few weeks arrived at the capital of the
Padishah's kingdom. They wandered about the town inquiring for
Ogursuz and Hajyrsyz, and when this came to the knowledge of the
Padishah he ordered both boys to be brought before him. They were
taken to the palace, and when the King asked which was his son, the
Shahzada pointed to the other and named himself as the son of the
farmer. So the one was taken into the palace as a prince, and the other
given employment in the court.

Once in a dream the false Prince saw a dervish who presented to
him the Princess Beautiful and gave him to drink of the chalice of
love. From that time he was a changed man. Neither eating nor
drinking, sleep nor rest, contented him ,• he became pale and weak.
Physicians and hodjas, one after the other, were called in, but none did
him any good ,- they did not understand his illness, and therefore could
prescribe no remedy.

One day the false Prince said to the Padishah : " My father, physicians and
164

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

hodjas cannot help me. Love for the Princess Beautiful is my malady."
The King was frightened at the youth's strange words and feared for his
reason. " You must not think of her ,• it is dangerous," said the monarch ,-
"her love would bring only death." But the young man continued to get

thinner and paler and had
asked him continually
and the answer was
Princess Beautiful." The
surely die if he refused to
would be the cause of his
righteous Allah would have
him, he was about to con-
departure, when the false Prince said :
to go myself,- let us send the farmer's
maiden for me." The Padishah im-
for the farmer's son, and commissioned
quest of the Princess Beautiful and
to be the bride of the Shahzada.
On the following day the youth set
down dale, across
through ravines, in
Princess Beautiful,

time he came to the
where he saw a little
on the sand. The crea-
him to cast it into the
consented,- but first the fish offered him three of its

no Joy in life. The Padishah

whether he desired anything,

invariably the same : " The

King felt that his son would

let him go away, and that he

death. So trusting that the

mercy upon

sent to his son's

" I do not wish

son to fetch the

mediately sent

him to go in

bring her home

J^aurafi.ClE;ti

S«

i3»J)'

off over hill and
plains and
quest of the
After some
sea-shore,
fish floundering
ture implored
water, and he
scales, saying:

" When in trouble burn one of these scales." Accepting them gratefully
the youth threw the fish back into the sea and went his way.
Coming to a great plain he met an ant, who begged his aid, as it
was going to a wedding and would be too late to join its companions

165

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

The young man took up the ant and carried it to its companions. Before
taking leave of its helper, the insect offered him a piece of its wing,
saying : " When in trouble burn this piece of my wing."
Dispirited and weary, the reputed farmer's son at length reached a thick
forest, where he saw a small bird struggling with a large snake. The bird
besought the aid of the youth, who promptly struck the snake with
his sword and cut it in two. In reward the bird gave him three of
her feathers, saying : " When in trouble burn one of these.''
NCK more he took his pilgrim-staff and went o'er mountain and sea until
he came to a large city. He was now in the kingdom of the father
of Princess Beautiful. Going directly to the palace, he begged in the
name of Allah that the Padishah would give him his daughter in marriage.
■" First you must accomplish three tasks," said the Padishah, " and then
you may speak to my daughter." The monarch then took a ring, cast it
into the sea, and told the Prince to bring it back again m three days
or his life would be forfeit.

The Prince thought deeply, and recollecting the three fishscales he burnt
one of them. Immediately the little fish appeared and said : " What
is your command, my Sultan ? " " The ring of Princess Beautiful has fallen
into the sea,- fetch it to me," replied the Prince. The fish went after the
ring, but could not find it,- down it went a second time, without success,-
diving a third time, it went right down, down to the bottom of the seventh
sea and brought up a fish. The Prince slit its stomach and found the ring
inside. He gave it back to the Padishah, who handed it to his daughter.
In the neighbourhood of the palace was a cave, filled with a mixture
of ashes and millet. " Your second task," said the Padishah, " is to
separate the ashes from the millet." The Prince went to the cave and
burnt the ant's wing, whereupon all the ants in the world appeared
and set about the work. The task was thus finished that very day, and
in the evening the Padishah came and satisfied himself that not a grain
had been overlooked,
166

The Princess now appeared

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

"One other task remains to be done," said the Padishah, "and then
I will take you to my daughter/' Calling a female slave to him, the
King split her head open and said to the youth : " Thus shall your own
head be split if you cannot restore her to life." The youth left the
palace wondering whether the bird's feather would help him. He burnt
one, and straightway the little bird appeared and awaited his commands.
"With a heavy heart the Prince related the difficult task that had been set
him. Now the bird belonged to the Peris, and flying up in the air out of
sight it soon reappeared with a vessel of water. "Here," said the bird,
" is some water of Paradise which will restore the dead to life." Taking
it to the palace the Prince sprinkled some over the corpse, and the maiden
arose immediately as though just awakened from sleep.
The Princess Beautiful was informed of the youth's exploits, and she
prepared herself to receive him. The maiden resided in a small marble
kiosk, before which was a golden reservoir, and into this water poured
from four sides. In the court was a magnificent garden, filled with trees,
flowers, and singingbirds. When the Prince saw all this it seemed to him
as though he were at the gate of Paradise. Suddenly the door of the kiosk
opened, and the garden was suffused with an effulgent light that quite
dazzled the Prince. The Princess now appeared in all her radiant beauty.
She approached the Prince to address him, but no sooner did she look at
him than she fell in a swoon. She was carried to the kiosk, the youth
following, and when she came to herself she said : " Oh, Prince, you are
the son of Shah Suleiman, and you can aid me. In the garden of the
RehDew sings a pomegranate branch ,• if you will bring it to me I am
yours eternally ! "

The youth went far away to fulfil the Princess's behest. For a month
he wandered up hill and down dale. " Oh, Allah, Creator of all things,"
he prayed," show me the right way." Presently he reached the foot
of a mountain. Here he heard a terrible noise, as though the Judgment
Day had come,- the rocks and mountains trembled, and pitch darkness
168

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

fell. As the youth went
increased and became
he was enveloped in a
smoke. He could not
the right road, but he
journey should bring him
RehDew and that the
by the talismans of the
Continuing his onward
length came in view. At
ing talismans and also
went to him and told
■"Why were you not
noise?" asked the guard
the talismans were
count ,- they alarmed even
quired about the pome-
a difficult matter to
the guard gravely,-
not afraid you may
ceed. At the end
journey you will
place similar to this,
mans,- there you will
garden, the guardian
mother. But go not
until she comes to
my greeting, but do
business until she
The youth now
pointed out to him.

aioQu}

bravely forward the noise
more terrifying, while
whirlwind of dust and
tell whether he was on
knew that a six months'
to the garden of the
awful noise was created
Dew.

way, the little garden at
the gate were the shriek-
the guard. The Prince
him what he wanted,
terrified by the great
in astonishment. " All
aroused on your ac-
me.'' The Prince en-
granate branch. "It is
procure it," said
"but if you are
perchance sue
ofa three months'
arrive at another
with other talis-
find another
of which is my
near her ,- wait
you. Give her
not relate your
questions you."
took the road
and after journey-
169

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

ing for three months he heard an awe-inspiring sound which it would be
impossible to describe. Here was the large garden of the RehDew, and
the noise proceeded from his talismans. The youth hid himself behind a
rock, and presently saw a human form which proved to be that of an old
woman about ninety years old. Her hair was snow-white, her eyelids

red, her eyebrows like two
fire, her fingernails were
ing on a staff she sniffed
step, and her knees
was the guardian of
Coming up to the
know what he was

arrows, her eyes gleamed
two yards long ,- and lean
the air, sneezed at every
knocked together. Such
the large garden,
youth she demanded to
doing there. The Prince

jr ^^'""^ i^if"^^ fe

gave her greeting from her son. " The good-for-nothing fellow ! " she

wheezed/ "So you have met him, eh? Did my miserable son think I

should have mercy on you that he sent you to me? I'll soon make

an end of you." So saying she seized the youth and shook him

fiercely.

The Prince knew not what had happened,- he saw only that he was on

170

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

the back of something which had neither eyes nor ears, and was shrivelled
up like a toad. This creature was making off with him, taking gigantic
strides and springing over seas at a single bound. Suddenly the hideous
thing set him down, and said : " Whatever you hear, whatever you see,
be careful not to speak thereof, or you are lost ! " In a moment it
was gone.

As in a dream the Prince now saw a garden of endless extent, with
rippling streams and waterfalls, and trees, flowers, and fruits, whose like
could be found nowhere in the world. All around was the sound of
singing'birds as though the air itself were song. Taking a glance around
the youth entered the garden, and heard a heartrending sound as of
weeping. Remembering the pomegranate branch he began to seek it. In
the midst of the garden was a small conservatory, and in this hung, like
lamps, a number of pomegranates. He plucked a branch, and at once a
fearful cry was heard : " A mortal is taking our lives ! A mortal is killing
us ! " Seized with dread, the youth fled from the garden.
"Quick! Run!" shouted the nameless thing waiting at the gate. He
jumped on its back, and with one bound he was on the other side of the
sea. Now for the first time the youth looked at the pomegranate branch.
He saw there were fifty pomegranates thereon, each of which sang
a different song, as though all the music of the world were brought
together there. Now he met the old woman who was ninety years
old.

" Take good care of the pomegranate branch," said the old woman ,•
■"never let it out of your sight. If you can listen. to it throughout your
wedding day the pomegranates will love you,- you need fear nothing, for
they wiH protect you in any distress."

Taking leave of the mother the Prince went to her son, who exhorted
him to bear the old woman's advice well in mind, Then the youth made
the best of his way to the Princess Beautiful.

The maiden awaited him anxiously, for she loved the Prince so fondly

171

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

that her days were filled with fear on his behalf lest any misfortune
might befall him. Suddenly the sound of music was heard, the different
melodies of the fifty pomegranates. The maiden hastened to meet the
Prince, and the pomegranate branch chanted the union of their two
hearts in such exquisite strains that they seemed to be lifted up from this
earth to the Paradise of Allah. Their wedding-feast lasted forty days
and forty nights, and all the time they listened to the singing of the
pomegranates. When the feast was ended the Prince said : " Like
yourself, I have a father and mother. We have already celebrated our
marriage here,- we will now go to my parents and celebrate it there
also." Accordingly they set out on the following day.
When they arrived at the end of their journey the youth went to the
Padishah and reported that he had succeeded in bringing the Princess
Beautiful with him. The King praised him for his bravery and skill, gave
him a valuable present, and made preparations for the Princess's marriage
to the false Shahzada. When the maiden saw that it was intended
to unite her to the false Prince, she struck him in the face. He ran
to the Padishah to complain, and the monarch, suspecting there was
more in the matter than appeared on the surface, went to the maiden and
begged her to explain such conduct.

The Princess implored the Padishah not to allow the marriage to
take place until the farmer's son had been put to death. Accordingly
the King ordered the youth to be brought before him, and he was
beheaded in his presence. Immediately the Princess took Paradise
water, sprinkled the body of the youth therewith, and at once he arose to
new life.

■"Now," said the Princess, "you have died and risen again,- thus
you are released from your oath, and can tell all that has befallen
you." On this the youth related how, after leaving his mother, he
met with the farmer's son. He spoke of the incident at tbe well, and
of everything connected with his perilous quest for the Princess. He
172

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

also established his identity by showing the amulet he had received from
his mother.

Being convinced that the youth was truly his son, the Padishah embraced
and kissed him repeatedly. The impostor was executed, and the Prince's
mother was brought to the palace in time for the wedding of her
son with the Princess Beautiful.

173

^Jje rDa§le}%ti:"'P^^

c ♦

HERE was once a Padi-
was so beautiful that her
equal in the world.
Now the Padishah's wife
she kept locked up in a
day she put the following
beautiful? Am I beau-
tiful?" "Everything and
was invariably the an-
taining dialogue the Sul-
again and go away.
One day, as the Padi-
Nartanesi or little Pome-
tour of the serai, the Arab
and immediately fell in love
next day the Arab modified
lows: "The moon is beau-
beautiful, I am. beautiful, but
the most beautiful of all.
The Sultana was exceedingly
that the Arab had seen her
bably he would no longer
mother. So
the Princess
that they
walk together,
p r o m e n ade
174

>\h

shah whose daughter
loveliness was without

had an Arab slave whom
room, and to whom every
questions : " Is the moon
tiful? Are you beau-
everybody is beautiful,"
swer. After this enter-
tana would lock the door

shah's daughter, by name
granate, was making a
caught a glimpse of her
with her. Thus on the
his usual answer as fol-
tiful, you are
Nar-tanesi is

angry. Now
daughter, pro-
admire the
she went to
and proposed
should take a
During the
they came to

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

a meadow, where the maiden, being fatigued, lay down in the shade of a
tree. When she fell asleep the mother left her there and hastened back
to the palace.

When the Princess awoke and could not see her mother she began to
weep, running hither and thither in fear, seeking her mother everywhere.
It was of no avail, however, and soon her cries of despair echoed through
wood and field.

Three brothers were by chance hunting in the forest, and came upon the
distressed maiden. When she saw them she was still more afraid, and
implored their grace and protection, requesting them to accept her as a
sister. Overcome with pity the three hunters agreed to be her brothers,
and she accompanied them to their home.

Henceforth the three youths went hunting every day, and when they
brought home the game, the Princess prepared it for eating. Thus the
days passed merrily away.

But the news of the maiden's extraordinary loveliness spread far and
wide. The story was told of her discovery by the three brothers in the
forest, and how they had taken her home to be their sister. This came
to the ears of the Sultana, her mother, who was enraged to find her
daughter still living. She thought the girl had long ago been torn to
pieces and devoured by wild beasts.

She went accordingly to a witch and asked what she should do further to
get rid of her daughter. The witch gave the Sultana two magic hairpins,
saying that if she stuck them in the Princess's head the girl would surely
die. The woman took the hairpins, and disguised herself as a poor
beggar by means of an old feredje. Packing various articles in a
bundle, she went to the maiden.

Whenever the three brothers were away hunting, the Princess kept the
door locked ,• and when the woman knocked she made no answer. " Oh,
my child," cried the woman, " why do you not open the door ? I have
come all the way from Anatolia with presents for my sons,- at least

175

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

receive them from me."
swered through a crack
locked." "Mydaughter,"
" having heard that
have brought you also
pins,- hold your head close
may stick them in." Sus-
put her head to the key-
the pins itno the Prin-
down dead immediately,
plished her revenge, the
back to the serai.
When towards evening
from hunting and entered
dead body of the maiden
raised loud lamentation
in despair. When their
calmed they began to
Laying their sister in a
it up a hill and
two trees.
Itcametopass soon
son of a Padishah
saw the golden cas-
the trees. Taking
it, and when he
maiden lying within

^eUc,^

Then the maiden an-
in the door : " The door is
returned the woman,
you are their sister, I
a present of some hair-
to the key-hole that I
pecting no evil the girl
hole. The woman stuck
cess's head, and she fell
Having thus accom-
Sultana went straight

the brothers returned
the house, they saw the
lying by the door. They
and wrung their hands
grief was somewhat
prepare for the funeral,
golden casket, they took
hung it between

after this that the
went hunting and
ket hanging from
down he opened
saw the lovely
fell deeply in

' \kvJl

176

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

love with her. The casket was carried to his home and put into his own
apartment, and whenever he went out he took care to lock the door.
The Prince spent his days im hunting, and the nights in looking at and
sighing over the dead maiden.

In the meantime the Padishah intended to take part in a war that had
broken out,- but the Vezir dissuaded him, advising him to send his son
the Shahzada instead. Therefore the King called his son and ordered
him to go to the battlefield. The youth returned to his apartment, opened
the casket and took a last fond look at the serene countenance of the
maiden. He then locked up the room, and ordering that none should
enter it during his absence, he departed for the war.
We have omitted to state that the Shahzada was betrothed. The
Princess he was going to marry chanced to hear of the Shahzada's locked
apartment, and she determined to discover what secret he hid therein. It
availed nothing to tell her that the Prince had forbidden anyone to enter it
during his absence. She shook the door with such force that it opened,
and she entered the room. Seeing the dead girl in the casket, she
exclaimed in great irritation : " Who is this maiden that the Prince
guards day and night!'' Looking at her more closely she saw the
hairpins sticking in her head. Putting forth her hand she drew them out,-
and hardly had she done so than the maiden was transformed into a bird
and flew away.

A long time passed ,■ the war was over, and the Shahzada came home
again. Hastening to his apartment, he found to his sorrow and dismay
that the casket was open and empty. In great wrath he asked his slave :
" Who has dared to enter my apartment ? " " The Princess who is to be
your bride," was the reply. " What can she have done to her ! "
groaned the Prince, and from that time he became ill and grew worse
every day.

Now that the war was ended the Padishah began to make preparations
for his son's marriage, and in due time the wedding took place.

m 177

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

Kvery morning the bird came to the palace garden, and sitting on a tree
said to the gardener, " How is my Shahzada ? " " He sleeps," was the
answer. " May he sleep and enjoy good health," said the bird, " and
may the tree, on which I sit, wither ! " This dialogue continued daily
for several days, and every day a tree withered. The gardener called the

attention of the Shahzada
that if the thing went on
not be a tree alive in the
Prince's curiosity being
catch the bird. The
caught, the Prince
cage and took a
ing its wonderful
When first the
the bird she recog-
maiden of the cas-
her mind to destroy
possible. Her op-
when one day the
go on a journey.
he set off than she
neck and threw it
and on his return
husband the cat had

^U«rjx«jU»J

to the matter, observing
much longer there would
whole garden. The
excited he set a trap to
bird being duly
put it in a golden
delight in regard-
plumage.
Prince's wife saw
nised it as the
ket, and made up
it as soon as
portunity came
Shahzada had to
No sooner had
wrung the bird's
into the garden,-
home she told her
devoured it. The

Shahzada'was very sorry for^thei accident, but it could not be^helped.
When the dead bird was flung into^the garden rose bushes sprang up
wherever its blood-drops fell. One day the gardener's wife came for
some flowers, and among those the gardener plucked was one of these
roses. They were put all together in a vase, but soon faded, with the
exception of the rose, which remained as fresh as when it was growing
on its stalk. " What wonderful flower is this ? " exclaimed the woman.
178

The Prince started in pursuit of it

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

" It does not fade ! " And while she was sniffing its delightful odour it
suddenly changed into a bird, and flew hither and thither about the room.
The woman was startled, thinking it must be either an in or a jin.
However, after she had recovered herself somewhat, she took the
beautiful creature and caressed it, and in doing so she remarked on its
head something resembling a diamond. Examining it, she saw it was a
pin. She drew it out, and behold! the bird was transformed into a
maiden, who related to the astounded woman the story of her
adventures.

Without delay the old woman went to the serai, stole into the private
apartment of the Shahzada and told him all. His joy was unutterable ,-
he bade the woman go home and take care of the maiden until he himself
should come in the evening.

Twilight was scarcely past when the Shahzada was on the spot. At
sight of the maiden he swooned away, and when he came to himself
he requested her to relate her story with her own lips. When he left the
gardener's house he took the maiden with him, but while on the road to
the palace a monkey sprang out upon them. The Prince started in pursuit
of it, and he was away so long that the maiden, being tired, fell fast asleep.
Now it had come to the knowledge of the maiden's mother that she had
disappeared from the casket, and in order to make certain that she would
not annoy her again, the Sultana left the serai in search of her, meaning
to kill her. After long wandering the woman chanced upon the spot
where her daughter lay sleeping. With suppressed glee she muttered:
" Oh ! you have fallen into my hands once more ! "
Meanwhile, failing to catch the monkey, the Prince hurried back to the
maiden, anxious lest any further harm should come to her. On arriving
at the spot he saw the maiden asleep and a woman by her side. When
the Prince demanded her intention, the woman said she was only keeping
watch over the girl, who might otherwise have suffered some ill.
Suddenly a thought struck the Shahzada, and he asked the woman who
180

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

and what she was. She replied that she was a poor forsaken creature,
who had nothing, and who was alone in the world. Then said the
Prince, " Come with me, and I will repay your kindness." The maiden,
however, being now awake, recognised her mother, and secretly informed
the Prince.

All three set off together towards the serai, the woman rejoicing over the
opportunity thus afforded her of putting her daughter out of the way for
ever. But as soon as they arrived at the palace the Prince ordered the
woman, as well as his wife, to be hanged, as a punishment for their
treacherous cruelty, and made preparations for his wedding with the
maiden of the golden casket. Thus they lived happily ever afterwards.

181

|ial^cer\ce-^tor\e atjdliatterjce^^^

HERE was once a poor

ter. While the mother

daughter remained at

One day as the maiden

dow, a little bird flew in

maiden, your kismet is

immediately flew off again.

completely disturbed, and

home in the evening she

had said. "Always be

and window while you are

mother.

Next day the girl secured

commenced her work,

and the bird perched itself

"Oh my

your kismet

person," it

and flew a-

was more

ever and told

she came

row,'"" ad-

"fasten door

creep into the

work by can-

182

(^\Ly^

woman who had a daugh-
. went out washing, the
home making embroidery,
was at work by the win-
and said : " Oh my poor
with a dead person," and
The girl's mind was now
when her mother came
told her what the bird
sure to fasten the door
at work," advised her

the door and window, and
when suddenly, purr!—
on her embroidery table,
poor maiden,
is with a dead
said as before,
way. The girl
frightened than
her mother when
home. "To-mor-
visedhermother,
and window,
cupboard, and
dlelight there."

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

As soon as her mother had taken her departure next morning, the girl
fastened up the house, crept into the cupboard, lit a candle and began her
work. She had only made a few stitches when purr !— and the bird was
before her. " Oh my poor maiden, your kismet is with a dead person," it
repeated, and flew away. The poor girl had no mind to work that day,
the embroidery was cast aside, and she could do nothing but brood over
what the mysterious words might signify^. Even the mother was per-
turbed when in the evening she heard of the bird's third visit, and she
resolved to remain at home herself on the following day in order to see
the ill-omened creature. But the bird never came again.
Henceforth neither mother nor daughter quitted the house, but waited
constantly lest the bird should return. One day some girls belonging to
the neighbourhood came on a visit, and requested the woman to let her
daughter go out with them to enjoy herself and try to forget her sorrow.
The mother was afraid to let her daughter go, but as they promised not
to let her out of their sight for a moment, she eventually consented.
The party went into the meadows, and danced and made merry till sun-
set. On their way home they stopped at a spring to quench their thirst.
The poor woman's daughter also went to the spring, and while she was
drinking, a wall rose up by magic and cut her off from her companions.
Such a wall had never been seen before,- it was so high that none could
scale it, and so broad that none could cross it. All the girls were terror-
stricken ,- they moaned and wept and ran about in confusion uttering cries
of despair,- what would become of the poor maiden and of her poor
mother !

" I told you," said one, " that we must not take her with us."
"' What are we to say to her mother ? " asked another. " How can we
face her ? "

"It's your fault— you proposed it," said a third,- and thus they dis-
puted while gazing helplessly at the gigantic wall.

The mother, standing at the door, was anxiously awaiting her daughter's

183

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

return. The girls came weeping loudly, and could hardly find the
courage to tell the poor woman what had happened. When she under-
stood, however, she ran to the wall, and there the air was filled with
lamentations— from the mother on the one side and the daughter on the
other.

Exhausted with weeping, the maiden fell asleep, and when she awoke
next day she espied a large door in the wall. Opening the door she saw
a splendid serai, more beautiful than she had ever dreamt of. She
entered the antechamber and saw forty keys hanging up on the wall.
She took them down, and opening each room in turn, she saw in one
silver, in another gold, in another diamonds, in a fourth emeralds, in each
room a different kind of precious stone till her eyes were aching with
their brilliance.

When she came to the fortieth room she saw there a handsome Bey on a
bier, a pearl fan beside him ,• on his breast was a document which read :
"Whoever for forty days will fan me and pray by me shall find her
kismet." The maiden now remembered what the little bird had said, that
in a dead person she should find her kismet.

She commenced to pray, and, with fan in hand, she sat down by the
body. Day and night she fanned and prayed until the fortieth day
dawned. On this last morning she glanced through the window and saw
an Arab girl before the palace. She called her in and instructed her to
continue to fan and pray while she, the white maiden, washed herself and
put the room in order.

Seeing the paper the Arab girl read it, and while the white maiden was
away the youth woke up. Looking about him he saw the Arab,
embraced her, and called her his promised wife. The poor maiden could
scarcely believe her own eyes when she returned to the apartment, and
her astonishment was complete when the Arab woman addressed her:
" I, a Sultan's daughter, am not ashamed to go in this dishabille, and yet
this domestic dares to appear before me in such finery ! " She drove her
184

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

forth from the room, and told her to go to the kitchen
and mind her work. The Bey could not help wondering
what it meant, but he could say nothing,- the Arab
was his wife and the other— the cook !
The feast of Bairam was approaching, and in accordance
with custom the Bey desired to make presents to all his
servants. He inquired of the Arab what present she
would prefer. She requested a garment which neither
needle had sewn nor scissors cut. Then the Bey
went to the kitchen and asked the maiden what she
would like.

" A yellow patience-stone and a brown patience-
knife— please bring me both," said she.
The Bey departed and bought the garment, but
the patience-stone and patience-knife he could find
nowhere. He would not return without them if he
could avoid it, so he entered a ship.
"When the ship had accomplished half its voyage it
came suddenly to a full stop, and would go neither
forward nor backward. The captain was alarmed,
and calling the passengers together he informed
them that there must be a man on board who had
failed to keep his word ,- that was why they could
not proceed. Then the Bey stepped forth and confessed that he was the
man. He was accordingly put ashore, that he might fulfil his promise
and then return to the vessel. The Bey went from one place to another
till at length he stopped at a large spring. Hardly had he leaned against
the stone when a thick-lipped Arab appeared and asked what he wanted.
■" A yellow patience-stone and a brown patience-knife," he replied. The
next moment the two articles were placed in the Bey's hand, and he went
joyfully back to the vessel, and in due course returned home in time for

185

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

the Bairam festivities. He
and took the patience-
into the kitchen.
The Bey became curious
would do with the things,
the kitchen and hid himself
Presently the maiden took
the stone before her, and
story. She repeated what
and described the terrible
had endured. As she pro-
to swell up, to gasp and
an animate being. The
how she came to the
she had prayed by him
days, and how finally she
man to relieve her for a
went to wash herself and
stone swelled up still more,
as though it were
Proceeding, the
how the Arab woman
and how the Bey had
woman and not her-
wife. As though the
heart, it gasped and
when the maiden had
rative it could endure
split asunder.
Now the maiden took
cried : " O yellow
186

gave his wife the garment,
stone and patience-knife

to know what the maiden
so one night he stole into
to await developments,
the knife in her hand, set
began to relate her life-
the little bird had told her
anxiety she and her mother
ceeded the stone began
splutter, as though it were
maiden further related
palace of the Bey, how
and fanned him for forty
had asked the Arab wo-
few minutes while she
put things in order. The
and gasped and foamed
about to burst,
maiden related
had deceived her,
taken the Arab
self to be his
stone had a
swelled, and
finished her nar-
no more, but

up the knife and
patience • stone.

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

though you are stone you cannot bear it ,■ must then I, a weak maiden,
bear it?'' She would now have plunged the knife into her own body
had not the Bey sprung from his hiding-place and stayed her hand.
" you are my true kismet ! " exclaimed the youth, and he took her to the
place of the Arab woman. The false one was put to death, and the
maiden's mother was sent for to the palace, where they all lived
happily ever after. Sometimes a little bird flies in at the palace window
and joyously sings : " O maid ! O happy maid ! you have found
your kismet."

187

HKRE was once a
no children. When
with his lala he saw
panied by five or
"Oh, my Allah! "he
hast blessed this
much offspring,
dragon had one
hadst given me
continued their walk
dark, and then re-
Time passed, until
tan's wife was
In all haste messen-
patched here and
skilled nurses. There was no
but the woman, as soon as she
dead. Immediately another nurse
soon as she arrived. In short, all
stantly seized with a mysterious
termination.

In the royal palace was a ser^
whom she hated,
presented a
step -daughter
the nurses
diately to
188

^^^

Padishah who had

out walking one day

a dragon accom-

six young ones.

complained, " Thou

creature with so

Would that this

less, and that Thou

one child ! " They

until it began to get

turned to the serai.

one night the Sul-

taken seriously ill.

gers were dis-

there in search of

difficulty about securing one,

arrived at the sickbed,fell down

was sent for, who also died as

those who approached were in.

malady which had a fatal

vant who had a step-daughter
This event, the woman thought,
good opportunity to get the
out of the way. Hearing that all
were dead, she went imme-
the Padishah and said: "My

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

Lord and Shah, I have a daughter who is skilled in nursing. If thou wilt
permit her to come, the Sultana may perchance be cured/'
Accordingly the Padishah ordered a carriage to be sent to fetch the step-
daughter. But the girl was quite ignorant of nursing, and asked
her father whatever she should do. Her father answered: "Fear not,
my daughter. On thy way to the palace, stop awhile at thy mother's
grave and offer up a prayer, for Allah always helps those that are in
need. Afterwards go in confidence to the serai."

The maiden entered the carriage, drove to her mother's grave, and shed
scalding tears in her grief and despair. While calling on the Creator to
aid her, a voice was heard proceeding from the grave : " As soon as thou
arrivest before the Padishah, ask for a kettle of milk,- then canst thou
reach the Sultana."

The maiden now re-entered the carriage, arrived at the palace, and asked
for a kettle of milk, with which she entered the chamber of the Sultana.
She returned shortly with the news that a Prince had been born, whose
form, however, was that of a dragon. The monarch was not particularly
pleased, but contented himself with the knowledge that he now had
an heir. To celebrate the auspicious occasion lambs were sacrificed
and slaves given their freedom.

The time soon arrived when the young dragon must commence his
instruction. Hodjas were summoned, who however, one after another,
were killed by the dragon before they had a chance to commence their
esson. In this way there was hardly a hodja left in the land.
Hearing this the step-mother went again to the Padishah and said : " My
Lord and Shah, the maiden who assisted at the birth of the dragon can
also impart the desired instruction."

The Padishah accordingly ordered the maiden to be fetched. Before coming
to the royal palace, however, she visited her mother's grave. While she
was praying for divine protection and deliverance, her mother reached out
her hand from the grave and offered her a staff, saying : " Take this staff,

189

TURKISH FAlRy TALES

my daughter, and should the dragon attack thee, thou hast only to show
him this staff and he will retreat/' So the maiden took the staff and went
to the serai. When she approached the Shahzada to commence the

instruction, he attempt'
sight of the staff he
tention. After a time
the Shahzada showed
suits that the Padishah
with a pile of gold, and
home.

years passed away.
Prince was now old
married. The Padishah
ter, grieved consider-
came to the conclusion
nothing for it but to
his heir. A bride was
and the marriage took
wedding • night
voured his
fate overtook
in short, every
given him to
with killed and
Now the step-
the Padishah

ed to bite her, but at
refrained from his in'
her efforts to instruct
such satisfactory re-
rewarded the maiden
permitted her to go

and the Dragon-
enough to get
pondered the mat-
ably, and finally
that there was
seek a wife for
eventually found
place, but on the
the dragon de-
bride. The same
a second bride,-
maiden that was
wife was forth-
eaten.

mother went to
and said : " My

King and Shah, the maiden that assisted at the birth of the Prince, and
who has since instructed him, can also make him a good wife." The
Padishah rejoiced at the suggestion, and immediately sent for the maiden.
Before obeying the royal summons the maiden once more poured out her
sorrow at her mother's grave. The voice of the dead was heard from
190

ev cestui

cciecl out cj(

liat]d ftotri the ^v£ii)e ^rid

•^j ,D, J o

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

the tomb : "My daughter,
hedgehog and make a
goest to the dragon he
and the prickles will
then say, ' Take off the
take off the mask if thou
ing.' When he has taken
and cast them in the
lose his dragon form
being."

In due course the maiden
was ushered into the
Dragon • Prince, where
took place. As soon
Dragon essayed to at-
prickly ma s k
" Take off thy
ped. "I will
mask if thou
clothes," she
much courage
mand. With-
Dragon un-
article of attire
maiden threw
andlo! instead

take the skin of a
mask thereof When thou
will seek to harm thee
wound him. He will
mask',- answer, ' I will
wilt take off thy cloth-
off his clothes, seize them
fire. On that he will
and appear as a human

arrived at the palace and
private apartment of the
the marriage ceremony
as they were alone the
tack his bride, but the
prevented him.
mask," he snap-
only take off the
wilt take off thy
answered with as
as she could com-
out hesitation the
dressed ,- as the last
was discarded, the
them all in the fire
of a horrid Dragon

j^yW^i 3^^ i^'yj^

191

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

a handsome youth stood before her. They fell into each other's arms
and embraced and kissed unceasingly.

When the slaves entered the apartment next morning they found the
newly-wedded pair in the best health and joy. They hastened to carry
the joyful news to the Padishah, who ordered a grand feast in honour of
the occasion. The maiden who had happily delivered the Prince from
the magic spell was received by every one in the palace with the highest
honour and respect.

Some time after these events, war was declared between our Padishah
and the Padishah of a neighbouring country. The King himself desired
to take part in the campaign, but the Shahzada begged his father to allow
him to go instead. As he persisted in his request, in spite of discourage-
ment, the Padishah finally yielded and the Prince went to the war.
While he was absent in camp the cruel step-mother considered what steps
she should take to destroy the Shahzada's wife. She wrote a letter in
the Prince's name to the Padishah in which he requested his father to put
his wife away. When the Padishah received the letter the Prince's wife
was present, and as soon as she was acquainted with the purport of the
missive she said : " Knowing that the Shahzada no longer loves me, there
is nothing for me to do but to leave this palace." The Padishah en-
deavoured to calm her, assuring her that in his belief the letter was the
work of some secret enemy,- but it was of no avail, she could not be
turned from her purpose. " I will go," she said, " for my husband has
certainly found some one more beautiful than I, or he would not have
written such a letter."

With these words she quitted the palace in tears. Wandering through
wood and field, up hill and down dale, across land and sea, she came one
day to a spring where she saw a coffin in which a beautiful youth lay
dead.

" What can be the meaning of this ? " she asked herself, and while ab-
sorbed in reflection and trembling with fear the darkness came on. She
192

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

sought and found a hidingplace in the neighbourhood of the spring, and
about midnight she saw forty doves flying to>57ards the spot. Watching
them, she saw them all alight on the crest of the water and shake them-
selves, on which they ^^^^^^ immediately changed
into maidens and pro- ,^^^^Cf^^ ceeded to the coffin.
One of them took a C /^^feiOV w wand, and touching the
dead youth three times fVjjL?\^^'Mr ^ with it, he rose up as
though from sleep. All \ 4{te4BrSF/ f night long they played
together with him, and j^ ^y^tjTV^V when morning dawned
the youth lay down V^fsJ^jJ^^X again in the coffin, the
maiden touched him ^^^^ three times with the

he was dead ,-
maidens went
spring, shook
selves, and re-
form of doves.

Prince's wife
her hidin'g-
no one was to
stole to the cof
up the wand
fairies had left
touched the
three times
he woke up im-
Seeing the maiden he asked : " Who art thou ? " " Who art

thou, and what were the maidens who visited thee during the night ? "

returned she. Then said the youth: "They are forty peris who stole

me away in my childhood."

The restored youth and the forlorn maiden swore eternal friendship and

n 193

wand, and
then aJl the
back to the
t h e m -
suming the
flew off.
All this the
saw from
place. As
be seen, she
fin, picked
which the
behind,
dead youth
with it, and
mediately.

tbuchccl Vo& deajd Jouih

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

fesolved to marry one another. He loved her on account of her fidelity,
and for some time they lived very happily together. Then the youth
began to look pale and anxious, until one day he said : " Hitherto the
forty peris have ignored you, but if they should hear of our marriage they
will come and kill us. It would be best for you to go away from here to
my mother. There you may live in safety, and we shall see what favour
Allah will grant us." So with a heavy heart the maiden set out for the
dwelling of the youth's mother.

NOCKING at the door, she begged admittance and shelter in Allah's
name, telling her story, and saying further that she had been driven from
home and had not a friend in the world. The youth's mother, who
had lived in continual grief for her son, took pity on the maiden
and received her into the house. That same night a son was born
to her.

Some days afterwards, the youth appeared in the form of a bird at the
window of her chamber, and inquired : " How art thou, and how is the
child ? " The woman answered, " We are both well." The young man's
mother, chancing to overhear the dialogue, asked the woman who the bird
really was. The young woman now told her all she knew and what had
happened. " Oh, that is my son indeed ! " exclaimed the mother, beside
herself with joy.

From this moment she loved the young woman and could not do enough
for her,- she had better clothing made for her, and surrounded her with all
possible care and attention. " My dear daughter," said she one day, " if
this bird should come again and ask what the child is doing, tell him it is
angry with its father because he does not come to see it. If then he
should enter the room ask him in what way he can obtain deliverance
from the power of the peris."

Next day the bird appeared again, and when he made the usual inquiries
the woman answered: "The child is angry with you." "Why ? " asked
the young man. " Because you have never seen it," answered the young
194

The youth appeared in the form of the bird

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

woman. "Very well, open the window and let me come in," said the
bird. The window was accordingly opened, the youth put off his bird-
form and stepped into the room. While he was fondling the child the
old woman said to him : " My son, is there no means of delivering thee
from the forty peris ? " " Yes," answered the youth, " there is a means
that is easy and yet difficult." He tiien explained that, to accomplish the
desired purpose, his birdform must be thrown into a hot oven,- the
peris would know of it, and crying " Our Shah is burning ! " would cast
themselves into the oven to rescue him ,• if, on this, the oven door could
be shut fast, the peris would all be burnt up and then he would be free
from their spell,
^Sf HR maiden accordingly gave the servants instructions to get the oven
•^ ready,- and no sooner had she thrown in the youth's bird-form than the
^ forty peris came crying " Our Shah is burning ! " and flew straight into
the oven. The door was quickly shut and fastened up, and thus the
forty peris all perished. The youth was now free, and there was much
A embracing and kissing and weeping and laughing for joy.

While the young woman and the young man now spent their days in
peace, the Prince, the rightful husband of the young woman, came home
from the war, and his first words were : " Where is my wife ? " The
Padishah informed him that she had left home on account of the letter he
had sent. In his despair the Prince resolved to set out at once in search
of her.

Carrying a knapsack light in weight but heavy in value, he wandered for
six months, up mountains, through valleys, across fields, drinking coffee,
smoking his chibouque, and picking flowers, until one day he arrived at
the spring where his wife had stopped. He noticed that all around it was
burnt up, as though there had been a recent conflagration. From thence
he wandered into the town where his wife was living. He entered a
coffeehouse, and while he was resting the proprietor accosted him,
inquiring whence he came and whither he was going. The Prince said
196

♦

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

he was seeking his wife, who had run away from him. On this the
coffeehouse keeper related that there was a young man living in that
town who had been delivered from the power of the peris by a very
beautiful young woman. "Perhaps that is thy wife/' suggested the
coffeehouse keeper.

He had scarcely finished speaking when the young man referred to
entered the coffeehouse. The Shahzada turned to him and inquired after
his wife. The man related all that had happened, which was sufficient to
convince the Prince that the woman was indeed his wife. Now said he
to the young man : " Go home and tell thy wife that I am here, and ask
her also which of us she prefers— thee or me. Thou hast but to mention
that I am her first husband. Black-eyed Snake" <that was the Prince's
name when he was in dragon-form).

The young man accordingly went back home and told his wife of the
occurrence, and when he put the question, " Whom wilt thou have— me
or thy first husband ? " she answered : " By thee I have two roses, but
Black-eyed Snake possesses my heart." So saying she flew as on the
wings of the wind to her first husband. They rejoiced at finding each
other again, and set off on their return journey.

As soon as they arrived at the palace the Prince inquired who was the
cause of all the suffering they had both endured, and it was found to be
the work of the step-mother. Called into the presence of the Prince
the woman was given her choice of forty mules or forty sticks. " Forty
sticks are for my enemies," answered the woman ,• " for myself I prefer
forty mules." Accordingly she was tied to the tails of forty mules and
torn limb from limb.

The reunited pair now celebrated their wedding anew, and they lived the
rest of their lives in unalloyed bliss.

197

j[l3eJ%<:£)llcrfor

HRRE was once a
sons. He also possessed
looked every morning
everything that was to
He got up one morning
affairs without remem-
mirror. When he had
recollected the omiS'
repair it,- but to his
not to be found. Search
but all in vain.
Worrying over his loss
and, seeing their father's
quired the cause. "lam
my fine mirror," he
said his sons: "Do
much pain, father, but
seek the mir^
caused the
for if the mirror
he would die of
desired permis-
set out on their
After long tra-
where three
midst of the
was inscribed
roads. The
the second the
198

/^^

Padishah who had three
a mirror, in which he
on rising, seeing therein
happen during the day.
and went about his
bering to look in the
finished his duties he
sion, and hastened to
sorrow the mirror was
was made everywhere,

brought on an illness,
condition, his sons in-
grieving for the loss of
answered them. Then
not give yourself so
grant us permission to
ror." His sons' request
Padishah much happiness,
was not soon found he felt
grief He gladly gave the
sion, and the three brothers
journey.

veiling they came to a place
roads branched off. In the
place was a stone, on which
the direction of the several
first was the strollers' way,
way to the inn, and the

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

third the way by which none ever returned. The eldest brother chose
the first, the middle brother the second, and the youngest brother the
third road. Before parting they agreed

to leave their rings ^JLt under the stone, and

to take them up again Fa\ when and if they re-

turned. We will now .^^^^^3^ '^^ ^^^ ^^'^ eldest go

their respective ways, ^J^^^ki^^A^^^m. ^^^ follow the ad-
ventures of the J^^TS^t^^rtS^ youngest brother.
On arriving at the Jn*g^^^^jB^>^QL top of a mountain
he caught sight of a W,^ULt^^^0^^^Vw Dew • mother, who
was about to make sS^TB^'^H^^Sh helwa. Hastening

"Oh, little ...ss'^sfT/^^^V' ^°"'" ^^^^ '■^^
Dew ■ woman /{^^M/ k^^y kindly, " if you
had not called /A^^^^^s^M"^^ "^^ ' Mother ' I
should have ^M^\ '-^^^P^t-^ torn you asun
der." " And i^MW~ .^;— ^^(T \ if yo^i had not
called me ' lit- i^^^i9i^^'< ^\w ^'^ son,'" re-
torted the li^HBft^lll^^ youth, "I
should have ll^^^^^^Pwwil^W cut you down

Then the l^piBWSI ^^^ ' ""^^^^^

asked him ^>^^^^^^W^Cx whence he

came, whither ^. pr ^^33^^=^^^^ he went, and

wherefore he ^ ke lljetJ'-'JIlotneC (Ja,<: was there. He

told her he 4->^ '^ t 1 "" 4 1 L 1 ^^^ ^ ^^^^'

shah's son, vJoGixt to ma^Kft fjclJa. seeking a mir-
ror which his father had lost.
"Oh, my son," said the woman, "this mirror has been'carried off by the
Dews. They have taken it to their garden, where it is jealously guarded.

199

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

When you arrive there you will find all the Dews. If their eyes are
open you may be quite certain they are asleep. Fear not,- go forward
in confidence and fetch the mirror. Every tree in the garden is covered
with diamonds and precious stones ,• take care not to touch them, or you
are lost."

The youth was grateful for the woman's instructions, and went his way.
After long wandering he came to the garden of the Dews, and as he
approached he saw them all asleep with their eyes wide open.
Remembering the words of the Dew-mother, he went boldly into the
garden, took the mirror, and started back. " Now," thought he to himself,
■" as they are all asleep, they would be none the wiser if I broke off a
branch of these bejewelled trees." No sooner did he stretch forth his
hand to pluck a branch than the Dews all rose up as one man and
demanded ; " By what right have you dared to come here ? " The youth,
now terrified, implored them to be merciful to him. They agreed to set
him free and let him keep the mirror on condition that he brought them
as a ransom the sword of Arab-Uzengi.

Pledging his word, the youth was allowed to return to the Dewmother,
to whom he related his difficulty. " Did I not warn you not to touch
their property ? " scolded the old woman. " What is to be done now ? "
Expressing deep sorrow for his fault, he implored the Dew-mother to
advise him further. Pitying the youth, she instructed him as follows:
" By following a certain path you will arrive at a serai with two doors ,•
the one open, the other shut. Shut the open door, open the closed door,
and enter. On your right hand you will find a lion with a piece of meat
beside him ,• on your left a dog with grass near him. Give the grass to
the lion and the meat to the dog, then ascend the stairs. In his chamber
you will find ArabUzengi asleep, his sword hanging on the wall. Take
it quickly, and lose no time in returning here. But beware of withdrawing
the sword from its sheath."

The youth now set out again, and in due course reached the serai.
200

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

Opening one door and closing the other, he
entered. Giving the grass to the lion and the
meat to the dog, he mounted to the giant's
chamber. When he entered the apartment of
ArabUzengi he saw the sword hanging from
the wall/ to take it down and flee from the
palace was the work of a moment.
When he was drawing nigh to the dwelling of
the Dew'mother he thought he was quite out of
danger,'so he drew the sword from its sheath,
and suddenly found himself in the hands of
ArabUzengi. " Now I will make you feel my
power ! " roared the giant, as he dragged the
youth back to his palace.

The Dewwoman had prepared the youth
for what he might expect if he should
have the misfortune to be taken prisoner
by ArabUzengi. Kvery day for forty
days the giant would give him a lesson
on transformation, and at the close of
the lesson, when he was asked, " Dost
know it ? " he must unfailingly reply, " I
know it not."

Thus it came to pass that for forty
days the youth underwent instruction
from the giant, who at the
end of every lesson beat him
and asked, " Dost know it ? "
The youth remembered al-
ways to answer, " I know it
not." When the forty days

201

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

had expired ArabUzengi set him free on condition that he would bring

him the daughter of the Peri-Padishah.

The youth went back to the Dew-mother and told her what had happened

to him. " Did I not warn you not to draw the sword ! " she screamed,

and scolded him more severely than before. Nevertheless she yielded to

his earnest prayers to help him still once more. She informed him that

the Peri-Princess lived in a certain town where there were no men and

where it was impossible for any man to approach her,- besides which the

maiden had a talisman. If any man should succeed in entering the town,

however, her talisman would cease to be effective, and thus he could do

whatever he desired with her. " Not only Arab-Uzengi but also the Dews

are in love with the Peri-Princess," said the Dew-woman ,- " and these

latter would have carried her off years ago but were unable to overcome

her talisman."

" Then how is it possible for me to come near her ? " sighed the youth

despairingly.

" Hast learnt nothing at all, then, from Arab-Uzengi ? " demanded the

Dew-woman.

" I have certainly learnt how to transform myself into a bird," he

answered.

" Then it is well, my son," said the woman. " Change yourself into

a bird and fly into the maiden's palace. In the garden is a stone cage ,-

by getting into that you will destroy the Princess's talisman and she will

be at your mercy. Then take her and deliver her to Arab-Uzengi."

So the youth changing himself into a bird, flew straight to the town, and

from thence to the garden of the serai. Finding the stone cage he entered

it, and from that moment the Princess's talisman was of no effect. By

that token she knew that the bird was really a man.

" Now, son of earth," said the Peri-Princess to the youth, " I have

become a mortal creature like yourself,- you have nothing to fear ,•

henceforth I belong to you entirely." Upon this the bird shook himself

202

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

and resumed his human form. Now the Princess proclaimed that there
was no longer any restriction surrounding her, men and women might
enter the town freely. She also notified her father of what had happened,
and that she had become the bride of a mortal. The youth told her that
he was the son of a Padishah and that their wedding should take place
with suitable pomp at his father's palace. He then prepared to return,
taking the maiden with him.

S they came nigh to the palace of Arab'Uzengi, the Princess divined
the youth's intention and began to weep bitterly. He calmed her,
however, explaining that he was obliged to take her there to save his own
life, but promised not to leave her with the giant— rather he would perish
first.

When they reached the palace gates ArabUzengi, seeing them, cried with
a loud voice : " Away, away ! come not here ! As you were able
to take the Princess you are capable of anything— all things are possible
' unto you. Keep the maiden and the sword ,• only come not near
me !

Thence went the youth with the maiden and the sword to the garden
of the Dews ,■ and as soon as the Dews saw that he had the sword, they
shouted : " Away, away ! Come not here ! We fear you, for if you
could take the sword of Arab'Uzengi and also the Peri-Princess, all things
are possible unto you. As you have the maiden, the sword, and the
mirror, keep also the branch you broke from the tree in our garden."
Having now done all that was expected of him, the youth escorted the
maiden to the Dew-mother's house, where, after resting awhile, they bade
farewell and proceeded on their homeward journey.

After long wanderings they came to the spot where the three brothers
had parted many months before. Examining the stone the youngest saw
that all the rings were still there. "What can have happened to my
brothers?" he asked himself,- and while he was musing he saw them in
the distance, but in such a disreputable and forlorn condition that they

203

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

hardly resembled hu-
was nevertheless glad
they related how it had
Seeing that their young-
beautiful maiden and
ousy and rage entered
elder. They pursued
overcoming them, they
quenching it. Rre long
with an iron cover, and
that the youngest
means of a rope to fill
When he had done this,
his brothers had aban-
the bottom of the well,
horse, but took the maid-
to her that their brother
later.

When the youth
that his brothers had
him he wept and
bitterly. The elders
course arrived at
father's palace and
back the magic mir-
they said they had

tl'll'T,

man beings at all, He
to see them safe, and
fared with them,
est brother had the
the magic mirror, jeal-
the hearts of the two
their way, and, thirst
sought a means of
they came to a well
the two eldest suggested
should be let down by
the jug with water,
however, he found that
doned him to his fate at
They left behind his
en with them, saying
would follow a little

realised
forsaken
lame nted
in due
their royal
gave him
ror which
recovered.
As for
theiryoung-

lIIJ vTcth ntr l;|0(i|? oniM uJi

204

est brother,
they denied
having seen

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

him again since they parted to go their several ways. The Padishah,
in his exceeding joy at the restoration of his mirror, soon forgot the loss
of his youngest son, and ordered preparations to be made for the marriage
of the Peri-Princess with the eldest Prince.

Let us now return to the youth in the well. His horse, suffering terribly
from hunger and thirst, stamped continually with its hoofs on the lid of
the well, which at length broke. Hearing the neighing of his horse the
youth made one supreme effort, and with indescribable difficulty succeeded
in climbing to the top.

He now made the best of his way to the palace of his father, whose joy
at seeing his long-lost son knew no bounds. Wrathful at the perfidious
cruelty of the two eldest towards their youngest brother, the Padishah
had them both put to death, after which he betrothed the Peri-Princess to
her real lover, who had won her and rescued her from so much peril.
The marriage feast lasted forty days and forty nights, and they lived
happily ever after.

205

JtOaf ^ i])^^it-

••

HE incident I am going
long time ago. , We were
went up hill and down
interruption, and on look'
we had travelled the
Setting off again, we
came to the garden of
matchin. We entered ,■
ing meal, a cat by his
eyes ! The cat— oh, its
mouth ! The cat— oh,
—oh, its hind-legs ! The
cat— oh, its ears ! The
The cat— oh, its long
Near by lived a wood-
poverty, had nothing

• •

.j^^.^

to relate happened a very
on a journey, and we
dale six months without
ing backward we found
length of a barley-stalk,
wandered on until we
the Padishah of Chini-
there stood a miller grind-
side. The cat— oh, its
nose ! The cat— oh, its
its fore-legs! The cat
cat— oh, its throat ! The
cat— oh, its whiskers !
tail!

cutter who, besides his
but a most cantankerous

206

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

wife. All the money this poor man earned, his wife took from him, so
that he had never a single para for himself. When the supper was too
salt— and this happened very often— if the man dared to say, " You have

mother ! " he might be

next day there would

pinch of salt in it. Now

have forgotten the salt,

ing day it would be so

unable to eat it.

this poor man that he

his wages, intending to

found this out, and be-

ously. " But, my dear,"

gently, " I only wanted

rope. Do not be so vio-

I have done to you

nothing to what I

snapped the wo-

at him, whereon

ensued, and how

with their life is

understand.

the husband, de-

dure it no longer,

and went into the

he said to his wife

must not follow

him. He had not been gone long, however, before she also got upon an
ass and set off after him. " Who knows," she mumbled to herself,
" what he will be up to if I am not with him ? " Presently the man
became aware that his wife was behind him, but he pretended not to

207

oversalted the food,
quite certain that the
not be so much as a
if he dared to say, " Vou
mother ! " on the follow-
salt that he would be
It once happened to
kept back a piastre from
buy a rope. His wife
gan to scold him furi-
said the woodcutter
the money to buy
lent." " What
hitherto is as
intend to do,"
man, and sprang
a great uproar
either escaped
more than I can
Next morning
termined to en-
saddled an ass
mountains. All
was that she

uvoc\

?3^^'

s^s^h

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

notice her. "When he arrived in the mountains he immediately set to
work ^yood•cutting. The woman walked to and fro restlessly, examining
every nook and corner,- only an old well escaped her vigilant eye, and
she was upon it before anyone could have stopped her. "Take care IT
shouted her husband ,• " mind the well ! Come back ! " But the woman
paid no heed to the warning, though she heard well enough. Another
step, she lost her balance, then presto ! she found herself at the bottom
of the well. Her husband, deciding she was not worth troubling about
further, bestrode his ass and went home.

Next day he returned to his work in the mountains, and, thinking of his
wife, he said to himself: " I will just see what has happened to the poor
woman." Going to the top of the well he peeped down, but could see
no trace of her. He now repented his unfeeling conduct of the previous
day, reflecting that, though a shrew, she was after all his wife. What
could have become of her ? He took a rope, let it down the well, and
shouted: "Take hold of the rope, mother, and I will pull you up."
Presently the man perceived by the tightening of the rope that some one
had grasped it, and he commenced to haul with all his might. He pulled
away until he was nearly exhausted, and brought to the surface— a
horrible imp ! The miserable woodcutter was terribly frightened. " Fear
me not, poor man," said the imp. " May the Almighty bless you for
your deed. You have rescued me from great peril, and I shall always
remember your kindness." Astounded, the poor man inquired the nature
of the peril from which he had chanced to rescue the imp.
"For many years," answered the imp, "I had lived peacefully in this old well.
Until last night nothing had ever happened to disturb the calm of my exist-
ence. Then an old woman fell down upon me. She seized me by the ears,
and held on so tightly that I could not free myself from her grasp. By good
fortune, when you let down the rope, I was the first to seize it— praised
be the most merciful Allah ! For your kindness I will reward you."
So saying, the imp brought forth three leaves, and gave them to the wood-
208

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

cutter. " I will now creep into the Sultan's daughter," he proceeded. " She
will then become very ill. They will send for physicians and hodjas, but all will
be in vain. When you hear of it, go to the Padishah, and produce these
three leaves. As soon as you touch her face with them I will come out
of her / she will be restored to health, and you will be richly rewarded."
The woodcutter, who considered this a capital plan, now parted from the
imp, and gave no further thought to his wife in the well.
No sooner had the imp left the woodcutter than he went direct to the
palace of the Padishah, and crept into the Sultan's daughter. The poor
Princess broke out into loud and constant cries of " My head ! Oh, my
head ! " The monarch, being told of this sudden malady, visited his
afflicted daughter, and was grieved to find her in such dreadful pain.
Physicians and hodjas without number were sent for, but all their skill was
of no avail,- the maiden continued to shriek, "Oh, my head!" "My
darling," said her j^-m.!£^ father, "hearing your

cries of suffering jJj^^^^ causes me pain

almost as great as .>^^ff>,Wli^ your own. What
can be done? I will i^j^«Uni^gKi call the astrologers—
perhaps they can tell "^J^Si A 'BtWP7 "s." All the most
famous astrologers of VW^^BBMP^ the land came, con-

H ^a(£ecl

b ^i % fe^3

209

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

suited the stars, and prescribed each a different medicine,- but the
Princess grew worse and worse.

}0 return to the woodcutter. He managed quite well without his wife,
and soon forgot her. He had nearly forgotten the imp and the leaves as
well, when one day he heard the Padishah's proclamation. "My
daughter is sick unto death," it ran. ■" Physicians, hodjas, and astrologers
have failed to heal her. Whoever can render help, let him come and
render it. If he be a Mussulman he shall receive my daughter in marriage
now, and my kingdom at my death ,• or, if he be an unbeliever, all the
treasures of my kingdom shall be his."

This reminded the woodcutter of the imp and the three leaves. He went
to the palace and undertook by the aid of Allah to cure the Princess,
The Padishah led him without delay into the chamber of his sick daughter,
who was still crying, " Oh, my head ! my head ! " The woodcutter
produced the three leaves, moistened them, and pressed them on the
patient's forehead, when the pain instantly departed and she was as well
as though she had never known illness. Then there was great rejoicing
in the serai. The Sultan's daughter became the bride of the poor wood-
cutter, who was henceforth the Padishah's soninlaw.
Our Padishah had a good friend in the Padishah of the adjoining kingdom,
whose daughter also was in the power of the Imp of the Well. She suffered
from the same complaint, and the physicians and hodjas were just as
helpless in her case as in the other. Now our Padishah informed his
friend of his own good fortune and offered to send his son-in-law, who,
by the grace of Allah, would no doubt be able to restore the daughter of
his friend.

Accordingly the Padishah made known to his soninlaw what he desired.
Though the latter had great misgiving, he could not well refuse ,• so
he set forth on his journey to the court of the neighbouring country.
Immediately on arrival he was taken to the sick Princess, and soon
realised that he had again to do with the Imp of the Well.
210

That was enough to frighten the imp

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

" Once you did me a favour,'" said the imp, " but now you cannot say I
am your debtor. I delivered the Sultan's daughter into your hands and
sought another for myself,- would you take this one also from me? If
you do, I will take your Princess from you."

The poor man was terribly perplexed, but resolved to try the effect
of a trick. " I have not come for the maid,'' said he, " she is your lawful
property ,■ if you wish you may have mine also." " Then what do you
here ? " demanded the imp. " The woman— the woman in the well,"
groaned the former woodcutter, " she was my wife ,■ I left her in the
well to be rid of her." The imp showed signs of uneasiness, and asked :
" Has she got out of the well ? " " Yes, more's the pity ! " sighed
the man. " She follows me about wherever I go. Now she is there
—behind the door ! " That was enough to frighten the imp ,• he lost
no time in quitting the Sultan's daughter. He left the town in all haste,
without waiting to learn if the woodcutter spoke the truth, and was
never heard of again. Thus the Princess recovered and henceforth lived
very happily.

212

^t jc«Hj3^^e^

HERR was once a
and fifty, whose
might have caused
for sixty or seventy,
ous branches of industry,
provide for the needs of
One day on going to the
crowd of people. She was
men, who like herself had
day the chiefsoothsayer's
establishment ,• that was why
and excitement. While they
song and music betokened
the chief soothsayer, and as
favourite of the Padishah she
bath'woman, in the hope of
paid the lady great honour
to choose her place.
Our poor woman, an eye-
took her bath and
Chafing at the
in common with
had experienced,
her husband and
" Either thou must
sayer or I will
man replied:
as much as I can
daily bread ,■ I have

man between forty
grey hairs and beard
him to be mistaken
Being skilled in vari-
he managed tolerably to
himself and his wife,
bath his wife saw a great
informed by the other wo-
come to bathe, that on that
wife was coming to the
there was so much confusion
were speaking the sound of
the approach of the wife of
her husband was a great
had a numerous escort. The
receiving a valuable present,
and respect and begged her

witness of all this favouritism,
returned home,
slight which she,
the other women,
she sought out
said to him:
become a sooth-
leave thee ! " The
" Woman, it is
do to procure our
no time to study
213

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

the soothsayer's art. How could I carry
out thy wish ? " But the woman repeated her
resolve— either he must become a soothsayer
or she should leave him.

His wife being of exceptional beauty he did
not like the thought of losing her, so he began
to consider whether anything could be done.
He went to a coffeehouse, and while he was
absorbed in thought over the difficulty a friend
came up and asked what was the
matter. Our man related his trouble.
Now the friend was intimate with
the bath-woman, and he answered :
"Be consoled, brother, I will help
thee." With these words he went
straight to the bath-woman and put
the situation clearly before her. The
woman rejoined : " To-morrow let
the man post himself at the gate of
the bath, armed with paper, pen,
and ink-pot, and scribble away like
a soothsayer. The rest shall be my
affair."

Our man, though he could neither read nor write, went to the stationer's
and bought all the necessary materials, after which he took up his stand at
the gate of the bath, where every one who passed mistook him for a hodja.
The chiefsoothsayer's wife came as usual to the bath. While the
attendants were occupied with her they, on the instructions of the bath-
woman, took a costly ring secretly from the lady's finger, and this the
bath-woman hid in the mud collected in the gutter, advising the man at the
gate of what had taken place.
214

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

Soon the chief-sooth-
clamour over her lost ring,
thither in confusion, and
its height the bath-woman
gate who is sliilled in re-
missing articles." Imme-
fetched in and informed of
ing very wise and with
presently said; "The ring
mud in the narrow part
indicated was searched and
indeed. The lady, now
her treasure, gave the hodja
went home highly satisfied
soothsayer.

A few days later it was re-
tana had lost her ring in the
lieved one of the slaves had
body and everywhere were
missing jewel could not be
came to the ears of the Chief
she mentioned the hodja as the
to be of use in the matter,
ingly sent for, and
the Sultana's
"Hodja, thou
ring wherever it
be. I give thee

sayer's wife raised a great
The bathers ran hither and
while the uproar was at
said; "A hodja is at the
vealing the whereabouts of
diately the hodja was
what was required. Look-
knitted brows reflecting, he
will be found buried in the
of the gutter." The place
behold ! there the ring was
happy in the recovery of
much baksheesh, and he
with his first success as a

ported that the Sul-
serai. It was be-
stolen it. Kvery-
searched, but the
found. When it
soothsayer's wife,
f-^ most likely person
He was accord-
when he came into
presence she said:
must discover my

^J^!)5'^^^te5'^''r

215

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

until tcmorrow morning ,• if by then it is not forthcoming thy head falls/'
They led him away and locked him up in a room by himself, where
he flung himself on the floor crying in the agony of despair : " O Allah,
who knowest all things, tomorrow my soul will be in thy hands ! "
Now it happened that the slave who had stolen the ring was also
suffering indescribable agony at the fear of her crime coming to light.
She could not sleep, and at length resolved to risk consequences and
make confession to the hodja. In the dead of night she got up and went
to the room in which the hodja was confined. Hearing the sound of
the key turning in the lock, his fear increased, for he thought it must
already be morning. One may imagine his surprise then when the slave
fell at his feet and implored ; " O best of hodjas, I have the ring ,• if
it becomes known I am a dead woman. O save me ! Save me ! "
Now thought the happy hodja to himself: " As Allah has delivered me, I
must also help this poor creature in her distress." The slave told him
everything ,• then said he to the woman : " Go, my daughter, and without
any person seeing thee, let a goosz swallow the ring and afterwards
break its leg. Do as I command thee and fear not."
When morning broke the hodja was brought before the Padishah, to
whom he said : " My Shah, all night I have pondered this thing.
Animals are visible in sand. Let all the poultry, cocks, hens, geese,
turkeys, and other fowls be gathered together in the garden."
The monarch ordered this to be done without delay, and the hodja
followed by the whole court proceeded to the garden. Surveying the
assembled fowls and scribbling the while, the hodja espied a goose which
limped. Pointing it out he announced triumphantly : " O King, kill this
goose and the lost ring will be found inside." The goose was quickly
killed, and to the astonishment of every one, there was the ring in its
stomach just as the learned hodja had predicted.

He was promoted to be chief soothsayer, besides receiving several konaks
as presents. Thus the poor artisan became a very famous hodja.
216

N olden time there was
children. One day he
we are both childless ,•
then perchance Allah will
They accordingly set
came to a spring in the
us sit here and rest a
shah. So they sat down
they were resting a der-
greeted them." Essalaam
alejkum salaam, father/'
sit down beside them,
dervish, "If you know
know also my sorrow."
cause you have no chil-
age." Speaking thus, he
breast, gave one to the
the lala, saying ; " Take
are both at home in your
selves and give the other
will then bless
ment later he
Now the Padi-
home. They ate

a Padishah who had no
said to his Vezir : " Behold,
let us go on a pilgrimage,
show us his wonders."
out, and after many days
midst of a great plain. " Let
little," suggested the Padi-
under a tree, and while
vish suddenly appeared and
alejkum, Padishah ! " " Ve
they answered, and bade him
Then said the Padishah to the
that I am the Padishah, you
The dervish answered: "Be-
dren you take this pilgrim-
took two apples from his
Padishah and the other to
these apples, and when you
palaces eat one half your-
half to your wives. Allah
you with children." A mo-
was gone.

shah and his lala returned
each half an apple, giving

217

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

the corresponding halves to their wives,- and soon afterwards each
had a son. The double event was celebrated with great rejoicing and
public festivity. The boys thrived, and up to their thirteenth year they
were never separated day or night.

OING to the tcharchi one day, they saw a tellal with a box which was
offered for sale for a hundred lira. " I am going to buy that box," said
the Prince, So the box was bought, and they carried it to the palace
and put it in their apartment. During his lala's absence the Prince, to
satisfy his curiosity, opened the box, and saw that it contained the
portrait of a maiden. At the very sight of the picture he swooned
away. The lala, returning, was alarmed for his friend, and sprinkled
water on his face to restore him. As the Prince opened his eyes the
Vezir's son asked : " What has happened, my Prince ? " " Oh, lala," he
replied, " I am in love with this portrait. According to the inscription it
is a portrait of the daughter of the Padishah of Kandahar. If she is
living I will endeavour to find her."

" Let me dissuade you, my Prince. Much unhappiness might result to
you from such a quest." But the Prince refused to listen, and began
preparations for the journey. Then said his companion : " If you are
indeed resolved to go I cannot remain behind alone ,- we will go together."
So they both saddled their horses, and without telling anyone of their
intention, set out.

They travelled for weeks and months until they reached a city, where
they met with an old woman, of whom they demanded lodging for the
night. " My children," said the woman, " I have but a kuliba, in which
I myself can hardly stir. How then can I accommodate you ? " When,
however, the youths gave her a handful of gold, she said : " Well, enter,
my sons." And she led the way into the house.

The Prince was sighing continually after his loved one. The woman,
perceiving his sadness, inquired the cause,- whereupon the Prince showed
her the portrait. "Look, mother, I am in love with this maiden," he
218

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

said. "On her account I am here in this strange land, and if I cannot
win the object of my love I cannot live/' "My son," returned the
woman, " this is the daughter of our Padishah. This week her betrothal
takes place. I go in and out of the King's palace constantly. Calm
yourself/ to-morrow morning I will endeavour to point out to you the
Sultan's daughter." The youth was most grateful for the old woman's
kindly interest,- he kissed her hand, and begged her to arrange a meeting
with the Princess for him.

Next morning the woman went early to the palace. The Princess's
ladiesinwaiting received her kindly, inquired after her health, and con-
versed on various topics. At length by chance she found herself alone
with the Sultan's daughter, and she seized the opportunity to tell the
Princess of the Prince's love for her. " But, dear mother," returned the
Princess, " know you not that my betrothal takes place this week ? " The
old woman, however, was not content. She pleaded and persuaded,
describing how bitterly the Prince wept, and that he desired to see her
but once. At last the maiden's sympathy was touched, and she said :
" To-morrow I go with the wedding party to my bridegroom's capital.
On the way is a black tiirbe. The youth may await me there and I will
meet him." The old woman now went home and related to the Prince
all that the Sultan's daughter had said. He was very happy, and, taking
his lala, they set out toward midnight for the appointed spot.
The Princess rose betimes, dressed, and took her seat in the carriage, and
the procession started. When they reached the tomb she ordered her
carriage to stop, saying : " I wish to visit this tomb for a short time ,-
wait until my return." As soon as the two young people met they fell
in love with one another, and they found so much to say that time
passed more rapidly than either of them suspected.

Meanwhile the lala kept guard over them, and when he thought the
wedding party were becoming impatient he took clothes belonging to the
Princess and dressed himself therein and went to the carriage. Thinking

219

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

he was the Sultan's daughter the guests reproached him for keeping them
waiting so long, saw him safely into the carriage, and proceeded on their
journey. Presently the youth and the maiden in the tiirbe began to
realise how late it was growing, and the latter, discovering the loss of her
garments, was seized with despair. The Prince endeavoured to soothe
her. " Fear not, my Sultana," said he, " my lala has taken thy place at
the wedding. Let us go hence,- the lala will find us later." So they
made up their minds to go to the dwelling of the old woman.
During this time the lala was travelling in the wedding procession to the
palace of the Padishah to whom the Princess was to be given in marriage.
As the " bride ", the lala was taken to the bridal chamber, where he said :
" I am fatigued with the journey ,• let the wedding be postponed for forty
days that I may recover from my indisposition." This was agreed to,
and the Padishah's sister undertook to be the "bride's" constant
companion.

One day when they were in the garden, seated beside a pond, a bird
which had been singing lustily on a tree flew away. The lala was
observed to smile. "Why do you smile?" asked the maiden. "At
nothing of importance," answered the lala. " Then tell me," persisted the
maiden." That bird said just now," replied the lala : " ' If these two young
people were to jump into the pond and bathe, one of them would be
transformed into a man who would marry the other.' " " Is it possible ? ''
exclaimed the maiden, and proposed that they should put the statement
to the test forthwith. " It cannot be," answered the lala sadly, " for if I were
a man you would not marry me." "Wallahi," returned the maiden,
" indeed I would marry you." " But how if you should become the man,
would you then marry me?" asked the lala. The maiden swore that
nothing less was her inclination, and urged the matter so long that they
jumped into the water. When they emerged the lala was in very deed a
man ! The maiden was delighted beyond description, and declared that
Allah had changed him into a man that they might marry each other. If
220

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

it became known, how-
would be forbidden ,-
for safety.

They took a horse and
riving after many days
where they rejoiced to
young Sultana already
rewarding the old wo-
ful of gold, they mount-
rode away.

While this was happen-
overwhelmed with sur-
mysterious disappear-
and sister. He went
and the two made
without success. The
efforts was the appear-
said to the Princess's
daughter and bring her
with the three others
"Do so! "said the
back the fugitives
you well."
After much wan-
reached a spring,
down to rest in
The lala kept
others slept. Sud-
flew on to the tree,
the other weeping.

ever, their marriage
therefore they must flee

made their escape, ar-
at the old woman's,
find the Prince and the
before them. Next day,
man with another hand-
ed their horses and

ing the Padishah was
prise and grief at the
ance of both his bride
to his bride's father,
search everywhere,
only result of their
ance of a witch, who
father ; " I will find your
back to you, together
who have fled with her."
Padishah,- "bring
and I will reward

dering the fugitives
where they sat
the shade of a tree,
watch while the
denly two doves
the one laughing and

iJour JaugVjtcrTsa^ ^« tJucrj 22 1

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

The weeping bird, addressing the other, said : " Why do you laugh ?
you should rather pity the poor sleepers." At this the laughing
bird laughed all the more, and asked its companion why it wept.
" Why should I not weep, indeed, when I see these sleepers ? Do you
not know that when they reach the other side of the hill a beautifully
formed horse will appear to them out of the forest. They will try
to catch it, and in doing so lies their destruction ,• for this horse is no
other than a witch who is resolved to capture them and deliver them all
over to the Padishah, who will put them to death. Wherefore I
weep."

The other dove could not stop laughing, and said : ''There is no need to
weep / all they have to do is to kill the horse at a single blow." Still the
bird would not stop weeping, but continued : " Even should they settle
with the horse they have still to encounter a little dog on the opposite
side of the farther hill ,■ this also is a witch set to capture them and
deliver them to the Padishah."

Still laughing, the other dove replied : " That is of no importance either ,•
if they kill the dog with a single blow they are freed from that danger
also." Said the weeping dove : " When they have settled with the dog
there is still another peril hovering over them. On their bridal night
a monster will appear and drag them out of bed." " Then they must
kill him also," returned the bird, still laughing, and adding : '' If anyone
overhears our conversation and repeats it to another he shall be turned
into stone." With this they flew away.

The lala, who had listened attentively to this dialogue, now woke up his
companions ,• they mounted their horses and rode farther. After a long
ride they reached the other side of the hill, where they saw a beautiful
horse approaching them and whinnying. The Prince cried out in great
glee : " Look at that lovely creature ! Let us catch it." " Stop ! " said
the lala ,• " I will catch it," and as soon as he came up with it he drove his
sword clean through it and it fell dead. Though considerably astonished
222

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

at the lala's strange action, his companions said nothing, but proceeded
on their way.

Having crossed the second hill a little dog greeted them with loud barking
and much wagging of its tail. The Padishah's son would have caught it,
but he was prevented by the lala, who cut it in two by a blow of his sword.
" Both were our enemies," he observed, and they continued their flight.
After overcoming many dangers and obstacles they arrived safely in the
capital, their return being celebrated with brilliant festivities and great
public rejoicings. The Padishah, overwhelmed with joy at the reunion
with his son, betrothed the two youths to their respective lovers, and at the

expiration of forty days they
pomp and circumstance.
Before night came, however,
chamber and hid himself,
and also the Prince with his
to rest. The lala kept his
lonely vigil, and towards
midnight the ceiling shook
and opened with a loud
crash, and a monstrous beast
came through and crept to-
ward the bed. The horrid
creature was so frightfully
ugly that one could not
look upon him
without disgust.
When the mon-

were married with much

the lala stole into the bridal
Later came his own bride
bride, and all three lay down

J^Gut tne Jodcn tjg bJ abloJoj^ viU eJoccl

223

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

ster had reached the bed
it up in his sha5;g\" arms ,
and ran him through
done, he S"^t into bed,
sleep.

"When the others au-oke
eves fell on the dead
of the bed, xhtv 'w-ere
pulled the bed • cover
fused to stir. After a
ing at the door, and a
was late- " "We are afraid
s>!rered. "for diere Ls
Then the door \jras
entered the room ran
sight of ±e awful crea-
The Padishah himself

and was about to pick
the lala stole behind him
with his sword. This
lav down, and went to

next morning and their
monster h"ing at the foot
seired with fear. Thev
over their faces and re-
while there came a knock-
voice informed them it
to get up, " they an-
something in the room."
opened, and those who
quickly out again at the
ture lying on the floor,
came and saw the body
of the ifrid. 'Who
has brought this in
here? he demanded.
Now one of the
verirs, who was en-
vious of the prefer-

Y ^^ "'3 7

224

He greeted him respectfully

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

ence shown to the lala, answered : " This is the laia's deed. Who but he
could have done it?" The Vezir persuaded the monarch that the lala
coveted the Sultan's daughter, and thus had sought to frighten the
Prince, his son, to death. The Padishah commanded the youth to be
brought before him, and though the latter protested his innocence he
was condemned to death.
^L S he was being led to execution the Shahzada pleaded for his friend's

? I life, saying : " O father, let not my lala die. He cannot be my enemy.

^^ I am indebted to him for many benefits." All these words were vain,
1 however, for the Padishah refused to listen. Seeing that he must die, the
I lala resolved to reveal everything, for he would rather be petrified than

♦I die by the sword. He begged to be taken to the Padishah, having some-

^1 thing of importance to tell him. His wish was granted, and he began a
I complete account from the hour when he and the Prince left the palace to
w W the conversation of the laughing and weeping doves. Behold ! half his
body was already turned to stone. Seeing this, the Padishah exclaimed :
" Say no more, my child, I believe thee ! " But the lala continued : " As
I am already half stone my further fate does not trouble me," and finished
his narrative, when he was seen to be completely turned into stone.
Neither the Padishah's sorrow nor that of his son could avail anything
now. The Shahzada lamented bitterly, and had a stately tiirbe erected
for his friend in the garden, where he passed his days and nights,
completely neglecting his wife.

Seven years had passed away since the events recorded, when one day,
as the Padishah's son was standing at the entrance to the palace, the
door opened, and a grey-bearded old pir appeared. When the Prince saw
him he greeted him respectfully and kissed his hand. The pir then asked :
"Why are you so sad?" The Prince opened his heart to the old man,
and told him his grief. " My son," said the pir, " there is a way to
rectify this matter." "How?" asked the Prince eagerly. "Take a
seven-year-old child, lay it upon the petrified body of your friend, and
226

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

slaughter it there, letting its blood flow over the body. Then w^ill the
stone dissolve, for it is but a casing, and the human body within is not
dead. Thus will your friend be restored to you."

" Where shall I find the seven-year-old child ? " asked the Prince in great
perturbation, for he himself was the father of a boy of that age.
" your own child will answer the purpose," replied the pir. " I will do
it," said the Prince with fierce resolution, and entering the palace, he
called for his son. " The Prince seems in better spirits to-day," observed
the courtiers, as they arrayed the child in fine raiment and led him to his
father.

He took the child, and, laying him on the stone, did as the pir had
instructed him. Lo ! the stone was seen to melt gradually, and soon the
lala rose up to life. " O my Shahzada, why did you kill your child ? I
was quite at my ease in my petrified state," he said. Then answered
the Prince : " My faithful lala, if I had a hundred children I would have
given them all to have restored you."

While the Prince was speaking the pir came up and said : " Come, my
children, I will pray, and you shall say amin ,- who knows but Allah may
raise up the infant again," The pir prayed, and passed his hands over the
face of the dead boy, when behold ! the child opened its eyes and smiled as
though just awakened from sleep. They looked round, but the pir had
vanished. The Prince now took his child in his arms, and together with the
restored lala they returned to the palace. The old Padishah embraced
and kissed them all three. The lala was reunited to his faithful wife, and
the happy event was celebrated with feasting and rejoicing, lasting forty
days and forty nights. Kver after they passed their time in perfect bliss.

c*o

227

HERE was once a Padi-
and when the Padishah
brothers disputed for the
At length the youngest
position ; " Let each of us
whichever shall shoot
the throne." This met with
so all three repaired to
their arrows. The arrow
certain part of the plain,
at a point somewhat
youngest brother's
bush.

While they were en^
their arrows darkness
not only was the search
but they could not even
The youngest, how-
light in the distance,
nighted and unable to
he went in its direction,
came to a serai, around
gathered. Accosting
what they were doing,
"We are robbers who
been trying to get into
228

shah who had three sons,
their father died the three
succession to the throne,
made the following pro-
take bow and arrow, and
farthest to him shall belong
favour from the others,
the open plain and shot
of the eldest fell at a
that of the second brother
more distant, and the
came down into a

gaged in recovering
came upon them, and
for the arrows futile,
find each other,
ever, espied a small
and as he was be-
find his way home.
In course of time he
which forty men were
them and asking
he was answered :
for many years have
this serai, but so far

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

we have been unable to accomplish our purpose." After some
investigation the young man discovered a place where he could scale
the wall. He climbed up, and when he had reached the top he invited
the others to follow him one by one. As they came up he cut off their
heads and threw their bodies into the courtyard. When all the forty
had been destroyed in this manner he entered the serai and began to
wander through the halls and corridors.

While engaged in this manner he came upon three rooms, in each of
which was a beautiful maiden asleep. These he disposed of in his mind,
intending to marry one himself and give the others to his elder brothers.
Then he stuck his handschar in the door of the apartment occupied by his
chosen one and departed.

Morning broke and found him near the spot where his arrow had fallen.
All three arrows were eventually recovered, and as it was seen that the
youngest brother had shot the farthest he was set upon the throne with
suitable pomp and ceremony.

On the morning following the youth's adventure with the robbers, the old
Padishah of the serai arose and found the handschar sticking in the door
of his youngest daughter's apartment. He attempted to withdraw the
weapon, but could not. He called his servants, but they had no better
success. Then he issued a proclamation that whosoever should be able
to withdraw the handschar from the door should receive the Princess in
marriage. Suitors came from many lands, but none could be found to
pull the weapon from the door. Only the three brothers remained, and
these were now invited to come and test their strength and skill. First
the eldest tried but without success,- the second brother was equally
unfortunate ,- but when the youngest grasped the handschar he released it
without apparent effort and replaced it in its sheath.
Then said the Padishah : " My son, my daughter is yours." " But I
have two brothers," observed the young man. "Then they shall have
my two eldest daughters," rejoined the Padishah. The triple marriage

229

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

ceremony was performed forthwith, after which the three brothers with

their wives mounted their horses and rode away.

As they went along something came hke a lightning-flash from the

cloudless sky, tore the maiden from the lap of the youngest brother, and

disappeared with her. It was a Dew,- and the forty robbers whose

heads the youngest brother had cut off were his servants, who had

undertaken the task of carrying away the maiden at the behest of their

master.

Now the young man said to his brothers : " Go home, with your wives,

and when I have found mine I yill follow you." With these words he

parted from them to prosecute his difficult and dangerous enterprise.

Wandering up hill and
and meadow, he met a
of the Dew who had
he saw her he was afraid
will surely cut me to
pieces.'"" Nevertheless he
approached her with ap-
parent boldness, embraced
her, and accosted her as
"Mother." "My son,"

down dale, over forest
Dew-woman, the mother
carried off his bride. When
and said to himself: " She

230

evJ clc^»j>pe«i;c«c

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

returned the Dew-
you come, and whither do
her of the object of his
said : " The Dew who
my son, who has for
opportunity to carry her
cult to take her from
you can try. Go the
and you will meet my
from me, and perhaps
help you/^

The youth accordingly
found the Dew-woman's
her, addressed her as
his message. Afterwards
and begged her aid. This
patched him to
might be able to
Again he set off,
and having ex-
his trouble and
The old woman
task to reach
will tell you of
may succeed.
the sea - shore
of forty days,
the young sea.

woman," whence do
you go 1 " He informed
journey, and the woman
bore away your wife is
years been seeking an
off. It will be very diffi-
him, but nevertheless
way I will show you,
elder sister. Greet her
she may be disposed to

set out,- and when he
elder sister, he embraced
*" Mother," and delivered
he recounted his trouble
Dew-woman now dis-
another elder sister, who
help him.

came to the eldest sister,
changed greetings, related
begged for help as before,
then said; "It is a hard
the Dew's abode, but I
a means whereby you
Seek a certain place by
and wait there for a space
Once only in that period
horses come to the shore.

j^etntts.ceGl ineJljatJ''jl|othec

231

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

Take a skein of wool in your hand, and should you succeed in catching
one of the" creatures bring it here. We will then feed it and train it for
forty days, after which you may mount it and it will convey you

wheresoever you desire

So the young man set

riving at the sea-shore,

days vigil. On the for-

horses made their ap-

with his skein of wool

the Dew-mother. When

expired she said

you take this

he would go ? "

" I am still small,

has carried off

wife is my

quickly I might

f a t h e r would

take me. How-

I am returning,

and the maiden on

would stick a pin in

pain might make me

Should the Dew catch

lost."

At these words the ^"^ " youth

mounted the horse and set off directly for the abode of the Dew, Arrived

there they found him sleeping. When the Princess saw her husband she

cried : " O my Shahzada, now is the time to rescue me and to escape ,•

for when the Dew awakes he will kill us." Quickly the Prince seized his

wife, lifted her beside him on the horse's back, and away they went.

232

6 Jeu.-vn TCjcumefll

to go.

off once more, and, ar-

he prepared for his forty

tieth day the little sea-

pearance. He caught one

and returned with it to

the forty days had nearly

to the horse : " Can

young man whither

The horse answered :

and the Dew who

this young man's

father,- however

run, my

surely over-

ever, if when

the youth

back, he

my neck, the

go faster.

us we are all

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

After they had gone, the Dew's horse neighed and woke the sleeper,
who looked round and saw that the maiden was missing. Like a
lightning-flash the Dew bestrode his horse and gave chase.
By constant pin-pricking the youth endeavoured to increase his horse's
speed. The horse himself was in despair. " O my Shahzada," he
exclaimed, " my father is coming ,- he will surely catch us." At this the
Prince buried the pin up to its head in the horse's body, and the brave
animal made a frantic effort to reach the Dew-mother. As soon as she
saw them she shouted : " Now you have nothing further to fear ,- otherwise
he would have caught you both before this and torn you to pieces. You
can now depart with your wife, but forget not to send me a man every
day. If you fail in this, I shall visit you at night while you sleep
and devour both you and your wife."

In the meantime his brothers awaited their arrival. They rejoiced to
see them both, and celebrated their home-coming with forty days and
forty nights of feasting and revelry.

No wonder that in the midst of all this merrymaking the Prince forgot one
day to send a man to the Dew-woman. The result of this negligence was
that the Dewwoman appeared that same night, as the Prince and his wife
slept ,• she carried off the bed with its occupants, and next morning they
woke to find themselves in her clutches. The Prince's despair was deepened
by the melancholy reflection that the misfortune was due solely to his own
thoughtlessness. The Dewwoman, moreover, reproached him for his
ingratitude, and made preparations to eat them both. He wept and implored
her mercy so ptteously, however, that at length the Dewwoman
pardoned him on condition that he should repair the omission as soon
as he arrived back home. Promising to do so, they were set at liberty.
While on the way home, being tired, they sat down to rest, and the
Prince, with his head on his wife's knees, fell asleep. Suddenly the Dew
appeared and carried off the Princess before the youth was sufficiently
awake to make any attempt to prevent him.

233

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

For the second time bereft, gazing around in

despair he saw a well from which he was

astonished to hear an ear^splitting noise and

uproarious singing, " I wonder what can be

the matter down there ? " he said to himself, and

while thus musing a bird flew out of the well.

Seeing the Prince it addressed him : " What

seek you here, young man ? " "\ am a

stranger,"" he answered. " Coming this way

and hearing the noise from the well, I was

curious to know what it could mean.'' The

bird answered : " It is the weddingday of the

son of the Peri-Padishah, and I am just going

to fetch water for the guests.'' The Prince

asked whether it were possible for him to see the

wedding. The bird said : " I must go for the

water, but if you will await my return I

will take you down the well."

So the Prince decided to wait.

Presently the bird returned with the

water, and said : " If I take you down

and they see you, they will all run to you and cry that a mortal has no

business there. In that event, turn to the Padishah and ask his aid and

support in your misfortune. When he asks what troubles you, tell him

whatsoever you will." On this the bird took the Prince by the hand and

led him down the well.

At the bottom he found himself in a garden containing many trees and

flowers, so magnificent and delightful that he imagined himself in Paradise.

He saw also innumerable birds, which, as soon as they observed him, flew

at him, crying : " O son of men, why have you come to us, and what do

you want here?" Immediately the Shahzada turned to the Padishah

234

LJnjvr fecK i^u. he^a

Jouo^ mao^^fKeatricU'cd

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

and related his grief. " O youth, how was it possible for a son of earth
to penetrate here ? " demanded the King of the Peris. The Prince pointed
to the bird that had carried the water, and the Padishah beckoned it to
him, saying : " Take this youth wherever he wishes to go. Should
misfortune befall you, exclaim but ' My shah ! ' and I will deliver you."
The bird took the Prince on its back and flew away with him direct to
the place where the Dew lived. They delivered the Princess, and flew up
with her to the seventh heaven. The Dew followed, but he could not
find them, and so went back disappointed.

The danger now being over, the bird flew down with the youth and the
maiden to the well, and conducted them before the Padishah, who
addressed the Prince as follows : " If henceforth you will be known as
Shah Meram and your wife as Sade Sultan, there is no cause for fear,-
but beware of using your former names by mistake," The youthful pair
took careful note of their new names and departed on their homeward
journey.

Arriving there by good fortune in safety, they celebrated their wedding a
second time by forty days of feasting and revelry.

On the forty-first night the Dew penetrated to their sleeping-chamber,
picked up the Princess, and was carrying her off again, when she woke
up and shrieked : " Shah Meram ! " " What ails you, Sade Sultan ? "
demanded the Prince. At these words the Dew was turned to stone,
and in the morning he was carried out and set up for a statue by the
pond in the garden of the Palace.

The Shahzada and his Princess took their daily walks in the garden, and
often sat down by the pond. Sometimes they forgot the Peri-Padishah's
warning, and called each other by their original names, when the stone
Dew split and cracked. Seeing this, however, they quickly repaired their
fault by addressing each other as Shah Meram and Sade Sultan, which
caused the stone to close together again, so that the Dew was not
delivered from the spell upon him.

235

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

One day, long after these events, it came
to pass that in a dream the Princess saw
a dervish, who addressed her as follows :
"Should you again forget your new
names and the Dew escape from the
stone, take water from the pond and
sprinkle the head of the stone form there'
with. Gold and diamonds
will fall from the stone into
the pond, and you will be de-
livered from the Dew for ever."
Waking up, the Princess told
her husband of the dream.
The Shahzada asked : " What
if, forgetting my new name,
you should also forget to sprin-
kle the stone— what would then
be the consequence?" But
the Princess answered "Let
us hope we may not forget
it." With that the Prince had
to be content.

One day when they were
sitting by the pond the stone
statue split asunder, and to their
amazement they saw the Dew step forth. " Oh, woe is me. Shah Meram ! "
shrieked the Princess ,- and the Shahzada, instead of sprinkling the stone
with water, drew his handschar and attacked the Dew. The latter grasped
the youth round the waist and was about'to carry him off when the Prince
cried : " O Sade Sultan ! " Immediately the Dew was changed again into
stone and fell into the pond, the water of which was dyed with blood.
236

J^ dceU

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

A few days afterwards they were again sitting by the pond and looking
at the stone, when there appeared the dervish the Princess had seen in
her dream. " If you had done exactly as I told you/' he said, " gold
and diamonds, and not blood, would have come from the stone. Beware
of saying, ' Had we only done so,' lest the Dew even now appear again
and carry you off in such wise that you may never meet any more."
When the dervish had disappeared the Shahzada said earnestly ; " Let us
henceforth shun this place, O my Sade Sultan, for if we should by chance
forget again, there is no further prospect of deliverance." So they
forsook the garden for ever. Blood continues to flow from the stone
and the pond is quite full, but beyond the garden the Prince and Princess
pass their lives in happiness and peace.

237

HERE was once a
To whatever school she
away. Perplexed, the
"Where shall I send
swered : " Do not send
like the place I will not
him with her to market,
number of men working
among them was a
The boy was very
and requested his
to the wizard. She
him her son's desire,
ranged to their mutual
was left with his master,
henceforth to be.
In the course of time
all that the wizard was
and one day his master
form myself into a ram ,•
and sell me, but be
rope." The youth
wizard accordingly
a ram. The youth took
auctioneer, who sold it
It was bought hy a
238

woman who had a son.
sent him, he always ran
mother asked the boy:
you?" To which he an-
me, but go with me,- if I
run away." So she took
and there they watched a
at various handicrafts, and
wizard.

much attracted by this last,
mother to apprentice him
went to the man and told
The matter was soon ar-
satisfaction, and the boy
as the wizard was

the youth had learnt
able to teach him,
said; "I will trans-
take me to market
sure to keep the
agreed, and the
changed himself into
the animal to the
in the market-place,
man for five hundred

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

piastres, but the youth kept the rope as he was instructed. In the
evening the master, having resumed his human form, escaped from the
buyer of the ram and came home.

Next day the wizard said to his pupil : " I am now going to transform
myself into a horse ,• take me and sell me, but guard the rope." I
understand," answered the youth, and led the horse to market,
where it was sold by auction for a thousand piastres. The pupil kept
the rope, however, and came home. An idea struck him : " Now
let me see," said he to himself, " whether I cannot help myself/' and
he went to his mother. " Mother," said he when they met, " I have
learnt all that was to be learnt. Many thanks for apprenticing me to
that wizard ,■ I shall now be able to make a great deal of money." The
poor woman did not understand what he meant, and said : " My son,
what will you do ? I hope you are not going to run away again and
give me further trouble." " No," he answered. " To-morrow I shall
change myself into a bathing establishment, which you will sell ,• but take
care not to sell the key of the door with it, or I am lost."
While the youth was thus discoursing with his mother, the wizard
escaped from the man who had bought him as a horse, and came home.
Finding his apprentice not there, he became angry. "You good-for-
nothing / you have sold me completely this time, it seems ,■ but wait
until you fall into my hands again ! " That night he remained at home,
and next morning went out in search of his truant pupil.
The youth transformed himself into a beautiful bathing establishment,
which his mother put up for sale by auction. All the people of the
town were astonished at its magnificence, and multitudes collected round
the auctioneer. The wizard was among the crowd, and guessed at
once that this stately building was in reality his rascally pupil. He said
nothing of that, however, but when all the pashas, beys, and other people
had bid their highest he bid higher still, and the building was knocked
down to him. The woman was called, and when the wizard was about

239

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

to hand her the money she explained
that she could not give up the key.
Then the wizard said he would not
pay unless he received it. He showed
her that he had plenty of money, and
observed to the woman that that par-
ticular key was of no importance to her ,•
she could easily buy another if she must
have one. Many of the bystanders
expressed their agreement with the pur'
chaser, and as the woman knew not the
true significance of keeping the key, she
parted with it to the wizard in return for
the price of the bathing establishment.
When she gave up the key the youth
felt that his time had come, so he
changed himself into a bird and flew
away. His master, however, changed
himself into a falcon and pursued him.
They both flew a long distance until
they reached another town, where the
Padishah was entertaining himself with
his court in the palace garden. ffe ^nOtJea. il&cvr|«i.v

As a last resource, the youth now L L J 1 t <^
changed himself into a beautiful rose ^^''TzJ "^^"^TJi
and fell at the feet of the Padishah. The

King expressed his surprise at seeing the rose, as that flower was not
then in season. " It is a gift from Allah," he concluded. " It smells so
sweetly that not even in the rose-flowering season could its equal be
found."

The wizard now resumed his human form and entered the garden, lute
240

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

in hand, as a minnesinger,
strument he was observed by
him, ordered him to play and
impromptu ballads the singer
give him the rose. Hearing
said : " What say you, fellow ?
Allah ! How dare you, a
"O Shah," answered the
obvious ,• I have fallen in love
I have been seeking it for
have I been unable to find it.
shall kill myself. Would not
it over hill and fell, to find it
and gracious Padishah. Have
like me, who has lost love
it seemly to afflict me thus?
spot until you give me the
The Padishah was
to himself: "After
quence is the rose
unfortunate man
Saying these words
and handed the
But befoi e the latter
fell to the ground
into millet • pulp,
transformed himself

i^pccbeal

As he was striking his in-
the Padishah, who, calling
sing his songs. In one of his
requested the Padishah to
this the King was angry, and
This rose was given me by
mere wanderer, demand it ? "
singer, " my occupation is
with the rose you possess,
many years, but till now
If you give it not to me I
that be a pity ? I have followed
now in the hands of the mild
you no pity for a poor man
and light and happiness ? Is
I will not move from this

moved, and said
all, of what conse-
to me ? Let the
attain his object."
he stepped forward
flower to the singer,
could grasp it, it
and was changed
Quickly the wizard
into a cock and ate

\« COCK ancL Jcag^ ii^ neck

241

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

it up. One grain, however, fell under the Padishah's foot and so escaped
the cock's attention. This grain suddenly changed into the youth, who
picked up the cock and wrung its neck— in other words, he disposed of
his master.

The Padishah was astonished at these strange proceedings, and com-
manded the young man to explain the riddle. He told the King every-
thing from beginning to end, and the monarch was so delighted with
his skill in magic that he appointed him Grand Vezir and gave him his
daughter in marriage. The young man was now able to provide for his
mother, and thus everybody lived happily ever after.

242

^h^^'^'^%^%{^'i^^i

UxJ ^ Ir

VKRy long time ago,
while I was lounging
dens, I came across one
badly. I painted my
colour then looked quite
and thought it was my
donkey caught me a
my wife was caressing
sleeping in ancient ruins
I fared very badly again,
phanes I put in my pocket
ret of Galata I stuck in
pet,- the fortress of
for a bear,- I stuck
of the sea for a rock :
biggest fool among
sin was the relation
There was once a
daughter. Beautiful
moon, slender as a
gleamed like live
as black as night, her
and her eyelids like
There was a large
in the midst of which li;

L^y~f.:>j'j

when the fairies lived,
about in forbidden gar-
in which I fared very
horse and thought its
natural ,- bought a donkey
wife,- when one day the
vicious kick, I thought
me. I went on and on,
inhabited by owls, until
The great ball of To-
for fruit ,- the great mina-
my mouth for a trum-
Kyz Kulesi I hugged
myself in the midst
in short, I was the
all the fools. My
of these tales.
Padishah who had a
was she as the full
cypress ,- her eyes
coals, her hair was
eyebrows like bows
arrows.

garden in the palace,

was a broad lake.

243

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

By its side the Princess sat every day sewing and embroidering. Once,
as the Princess's ring was lying on the table near her, a little dove flew
down, took the ring in its beak, and flew off. The bird was so lovely
that the Princess fell quite in love with it. Next day the maiden laid her
bracelet on the table, and the bird carried that off likewise. The flame
of her love had now reached such a pitch of intensity that she could
neither eat nor drink, and scarce could wait until the following day. On
the third day she took the lace from the table and put it close beside her.
The bird came as before and flew off with the lace. The maiden had
now hardly strength enough to rise,- she went in tears back to the palace
and there broke down altogether. One of the court dames, perceiving
her distress, asked : " O lady, why do you weep ? Who has injured
you 1" "I am weary and sad at heart," answered the Sultan's
daughter, weeping and sighing continually.

The Princess was the Padishah's only child, and the court dame feared to
inform him of her illness. But seeing the maiden become paler day by
day she overcame her fear and reported the Princess's condition to her
father. The alarmed Padishah visited the maiden with a large train of
physicians and hodjas, but no one could explain her malady. Next day
the Vezir said to the King: "Physicians and hodjas are of no avail for
your daughter ,• we must seek a remedy elsewhere." He advised the
Padishah to have a large bath built, whose waters should cure all
complaints ,• and every one who came to use the bath should be obliged to
relate his life-story. This was done, and a royal proclamation issued
that by the use of that bath the bald should receive hair, the deaf should
hear, the blind see, and the lame walk. The populace came in streams,-
each person had a free bath which cured his disease, and was allowed to
go after relating his life-story.

One bald man had a lame mother,- they also heard of the healing
property of the bath. " Let us go," said the son ,- " peradventure we
may be cured." "How can I go," mumbled the old woman, "when I
244

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

cannot stand on my feet?" "That's easily managed/' answered the
bald one, taking his mother up on his back and setting out for the bath.
As they went along the man grew tired, and reaching a field near a
river, he' put his mother down on the ground while he rested a little. A
cock passed by with a jug of water on its back. Curious to know
where it was going, the man followed it, until, coming to a great castle,
the cock entered through a hole in the wall. The young man crept in
.after it, and found himself before a stately palace. Not a soul challenged
him, and so he walked in. Ascending the grand staircase, he entered
the antechamber, and thence wandered
from one richly decorated apartment to
another until he was quite tired with
walking. " Perhaps I shall see something
alive shortly," he said to himself, and
secreted himself in a chest, whence
through a hole he could see all that
went on outside. Presently he saw three
■doves fly in at the window,- they shook
themselves, and behold ! they were trans-
formed into beautiful maidens, more
lovely than any he had seen in his life
before.

"We have been long away," observed
one. "The Padishah will be here soon
and nothing is ready." One took a
broom and swept out the chamber, the
other set the table, while the third brought
in the dishes. Now they shook themselves
once more and, as doves, flew out at the
window. Meanwhile the bald one, feeling
hungry, thought that, as there was no

la one took kj
moviTjec on»]^ back

245

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

one about, he might come forth from his
hidingplace and help himself to food. As he
stretched forth his hand to grasp the viands
he received such a terrible blow on that
member that it swelled up. He stretched out
his other hand, with the same result. The
bald man was terrified, and hastened back
to his chest, and hardly had the lid closed
upon him than a white dove flew into the
room, shook its plumage, and appeared as a
handsome youth,

I^Hpr Going to a small box he took therefrom a

l^ll ring, a bracelet, and a lace table-

^^P'^ib ^ ^ ^ ^ cover. " O ring," he soliloquized,

" how happy you are, for her finger
has worn you ! O bracelet, how happy
are you, for her arm has worn you ! "
As he wept, he wiped the tears from
his eyes with the lace. Returning all the
articles to the box, he ate the food prepared for him and then lay down.
The hungry bald man hardly managed to live till next day, when the
handsome youth arose, shook himself, and, as a bird, flew out at the
window. The man now stole out of the chest, entered the courtyard,
and through the hole in the wall escaped to freedom. There he rejoined
his poor mother, who was weeping and moaning because she thought she
had been forsaken by her son. He soon consoled her, and taking her on
his back they wended their way to the bath. They bathed, and the old
woman came forth without lameness and the bald man with hair. Then
they related their story, and when the Sultan's daughter heard it she
promised to give the man a rich reward if he would take her to the
castle he described.
246

Jq&c&c^williai ^L-Teccdblc

75 TT

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

Next day, therefore, the Princess set off, with the formerly bald man for
her guide, and in due time they arrived at their destination. He showed
her the castle walls, assisted her through the hole, led her to the doves'
room, and pointed out the chest wherein she might conceal herself. His
duty done, the man went back, and with wealth and health he and his
mother lived comfortably all their days.

Toward evening the three doves flew into the room. Transformed into
maidens, they swept, put everything in order, set food on the table, and
went off again. Soon in flew the white dove, and the Princess in the
chest nearly swooned in ecstasy when she saw him transformed into a
handsome youth. He went to the little box, drew forth the ring, the
bracelet, and the lace which formerly had been in her possession.
" O ring,'' he sighed, " how happy you are, for you have been worn on
her dear finger ! O bracelet, how happy you should be, for her arm has
worn you ! " His eyes were wet with tears, which he dried with the
lace. The maiden's heart nearly burst with grief She could not forbear
knocking on the inside of the chest with her finger. The youth heard the
sound, opened the chest, and behold ! there stood before him his heart's
love. They embraced each other, and for some minutes were unable to
speak for very joy at this unexpected meeting.

Presently the youth inquired how she came there in the palace of the
Peris, and she told him all. Then the youth told her that he was born
of a mortal mother, but when he was only three days old the peris had
stolen him, and now he had become their padishah. He was compelled
to be with them the whole day except during two hours, when he was
free. The maiden might stay there that day, and during the daytime she
could go out and come in at pleasure ,- toward evening, however, she
must hide, as then the thirty peris came home, and if they saw her they
would put her to death. On the morrow he would show her his mother's
konak, where she could dwell in peace and where he would daily pass his
two free hours with her.

247

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

Next day the PeriPadishah pointed out to the Princess his mother's
konak. " Go," he said, " and greet her in the name of Bachtijar Bey,
and she will take you in and be kind to you."

When the maiden knocked, there came to the door an old lady who,
when she heard the name of her son, received her visitor most cordially.
The Princess dwelt there a long time, and was visited every day by
the little bird. In time it came to pass that a little son was born to the
Princess, but the old lady did not know about the baby Prince, nor that
her son visited the house.

Next day the little bird came as usual, flew in at the window and
chirped : " How is my little boy ? " " Nothing is the matter with him,"
answered the Princess, " but he awaits Bachtijar Bey." "If only my mother
knew, " sighed the youth, " she would furnish her best chamber for you."
Then changing himself into a man, he caressed his wife and fondled
the baby. When the two hours were expired he shook himself, was
transformed into a bird, and flew away.

Meantime the mother had heard her son's voice and was beside herself
with joy. She ran in to her daughterin-law, kissed her again and again,
then left and prepared her best room for the Princess. When all had
been comfortably arranged the old lady inquired after her son. By this
time she was aware that he had been stolen by the peris, and now
she meant to devise some way to steal him back again. " When my
son comes to-morrow," said she, "contrive to detain him later than
usual ,• the rest is my affair."

Next day the bird flew to the window, and not seeing the Princess there,
he flew to the best room and chirped : " How is my little boy ? " The
Princess answered : " Much is the matter with him, he awaits Bachtijar."
The bird now changed himself into a man, and the happy husband
and wife entertained each other so pleasantly that the flight of time
was unnoticed.

What was the old lady doing meanwhile ?
248

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

In front of the house grew a large cypresstree, on whose branches
the thirty peri-doves sometimes alighted. The old lady stuck poisoned
pins all over the tree. Towards evening the peris came in search of
their missing Padishah and sat on the tree: no sooner did they touch
the poisoned pins than they fell dead.

When the youth saw that it was late he was terror- stricken. He ran to
and fro, but chancing to look outside, he saw that the thirty peris were
not on the tree. His joy was now as great as his anguish had been
a moment before, and when his mother explained what had happened
his delight knew no bounds. Mother and son, husband and wife, were
restored one to another, and now with none to molest them they
celebrated their union for forty days and forty nights.

249

J.fc

QCC

3 1 HERE was once a cun-
•^ husbands, neither of

existence. The one got

other by stealing, each

they had learnt from the

The thief went with his

sold them, and took

Then came the other to

by the collar, and said:

and more besides have

I am certain. I

it all back

whence thou

the other pro-

I am no thief,-

things from

thou they are

and seek the

There was a

thief perceived

soon be on his

home without

wife informed

had been dis-

vised him to go

to escape cap-

250

♦ ♦♦

L>^

ning woman who had two
whom knew of the other's
his living by cheating, the
of which excellent industries
woman.

stolen goods to the merchant,
the money to the woman,
the merchant, gripped him
"That is my property,- that
been stolen from me— by thee
will that thou takest
again to the place
hast stolen it.'' But
tested: "Woe is me!
I have bought these
others,- how sayest
thine? Let me go,
real thief."
great uproar. The
that they would
track, so he went
loss of time. His
him that his theft
covered, and ad.
away for a'few days
ture by the police.

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

The woman took a sheep's tail and cut it in two halves, one of which
she made into a package with bread and gave to the thief, who soon
shook the dust of the town from his feet.

In a short time the cheat came home and told the woman that his game
was up ,• his deception could no longer be hidden. " Give me food," he
said, "and I will withdraw myself from public notice until the storm has
blown over." So the woman gave him the half loaf and the other half of

quickly took himself off.

from long tramping, came

down to rest. As he was

ceiver came up, sat down,

pared to eat. The former

" Friend, let

gether." So

face to face.

the one called

to the simi-

their respec-

of bread, and

them together

the two

complete loaf.

the two

pieces of sheep's tail attracted their notice ,• these were also put together,
and a complete sheep's tail was the result.

Astounded, the deceiver said to the thief : " If I may ask, whence comest
thou?" "From such and such a town," was the answer. "What
street?" "In such and such a street lives a certain woman— she is my
wife." The deceiver was almost choking with excitement. "Allah!
Allah!" he cried,- "that woman is my wife,- she has been my wife for a
year. Why dost thou lie ? "

251

the sheep's tail, and he

The first, the thief, weary

to a river, where he sat

unpacking his food the de-

and opening his packet pre'

said:

us eat tO'

they sat

P r e s ently

a 1 1 e n tion

larity of

tive pieces

putting

they found

formed a

Presently

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

''Man, art thou out of thy senses, or joking?"
returned the thief. " That woman has been my
wife for a long time/'' Knowing not what
to make of it, they both scratched their heads.
At length the deceiver said : " This is a matter
we cannot decide ourselves,- let us go to the
woman and ask her. Thus shall we know
which of us two is her husband." They
got up and set forth together.
When the woman saw them both coming
together she suspected what was the
matter. She greeted them, invited them
to take seats, and sat herself oppo-
site them. The deceiver opened the
conversation. " Tell us," he said,
"whose wife art thou?"
"Hitherto," she replied, "I
have been the wife of you
both,- henceforth I intend to
be his who is the cleverer
of you. I have taught you each a trade,- he shall be my husband
who plies it most to my satisfaction." Both men confessed them-
selves content to abide by the lady's decision. Said the deceiver
to the thief: " To-day I will prove my skill, to-morrow thou canst
prove thine." On this they left the house together and went to the
marketplace.

Now the deceiver observed a man put a thousand gold-pieces into his
wallet, which he then hid in his bosom. The former stole after him, and
in the pressure of the crowd, abstracted the wallet from the man's
bosom. Going to a secluded spot, he took out nine gold-pieces, slipped
his seal-ring from his finger into the wallet, fastened it up, and went
252

Ixrccn Tne cn'ti.cj <^

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

back and replaced it without observation in the bosom of its rightful
owner.

We have said he did this " without observation " ,• there was one

person, however, by whom the trick was observed— this was the thief.

The deceiver now went away, and returned some time after to the

owner of the wallet, grasped him by the scruff of the neck, and shouted :

" Ah, rascal ! thou hast stolen my wallet with the ducats ! " The man

was embarrassed, not understanding the accusation, but answered; "My

friend, go thy way and leave me in peace, I do not know thee.'' To

this the deceiver replied : " It is not necessary for thee to know me ,•

come with me to the judge." There was nothing for it but to go. The

deceiver was the accuser. "How many gold- pieces are there here?"

demanded the judge of the accused. " A thousand," was the immediate

answer. Then the judge ; turned to the accuser ; " And how many

have been stolen from thee ? " " Nine hundred and ninety^one," readily

replied he, "and my seal-ring will also be found in the wallet." The

judge counted the ducats, and lo ! there were exactly nine hundred

and ninety-one and the seal-ring ! The rightful owner) was beaten

severely, and the ducats handed to the deceiver, who went away.

The next evening the thief took a rope, and in company with the

deceiver, went to the palace of the Padishah. The thief threw the

rope over the wall, where it caught ,- he climbed up it and his friend

followed. They entered the treasure chamber after trying various keys ,-

and now the thief advised the deceiver to take away as many ducats

as he could carry. He himself, dazzled by the sight of so much gold,

got together as much as he could put on his back, and away they went.

The thief went to the fowl-house, caught a goose, wrung its neck, put

it on a spit, made a fire under it and set it to cook, ordering his

companion to turn it to prevent its burning. This done he went back

to the Padishah's sleeping-chamber. The deceiver called after him :

" Stop ! Whither goest thou ? " " I,' am going," he answered, " to tell

253

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

the Padishah what a clever
him whether he thinks the
me or to thee/' His com-
God's sake, let us go away
woman,- thou canst have
retort, "now thou sayst
alter thy mind. But if the
thou art bound to agree/'
He slid stealthily into the
From where he hid he had
and saw the Padishah lying
his feet and chewing a raisin,
lay on the floor, the thief
mouth so that it adhered to
very sleepy he commenced
had he opened his mouth
raisin by means of the horse-
own mouth. The slave now
looked all about the floor,
his raisin. Shortly afterwards
held a phial of strong spirits

thing I've done, and to ask
woman should belong to
panion called back : " For
from here. I'll give up the
her." " Oh, yes/' was the
thus,- to-morrow thou wilt
Padishah decides the matter

Padishah's bed • chamber,
a good view of the interior,
in bed ,- a slave was chafing
Taking a horsehair which
stuck one end in the slave's
the raisin. The slave being
to yawn, and no sooner
than the thief withdrew the
hair and transferred it to his
opened his eyes very wide,
but nowhere could he find
he fell asleep. The thief
under his nose until he lost

xzyJ ^1\e 'evJi^lx

V 3*^J] ^^''^JjTx^

254

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

his senses and fell to the floor like a log. Lifting him gently, the thief put
him in a basket, hung the basket from the balcony, and commenced
himself to chafe the monarch's feet. <The deceiver, who had followed,
saw all this from the door of the apartment.) Suddenly the Padishah
stirred, and the thief said in a low tone : " O King, if thou permittest, I
will tell thee a story." " It is well," murmured the sleepy Padishah ,• " let
me hear."

On this the thief related all that had happened between him and his
companion. (Turning to him at the door, he admonished him to go and
turn the goose lest it should burn.) He told of his burglary of the
treasurechamber, of the theft of the slave's raisin from his mouth. (All
this time his companion was trembling just outside the door and con-
tinually crying in his fear : " Come away ,• let us go." To which the
thief, interrupting his story, would retort : " Go and mind the goose.")
"' Now, O Padishah," concluded the thief, " whose exploit is the greater,
mine or my friend's ? Which of us has won the woman ? " The King
answered that the thief's was certainly the greater, and therefore the
woman was rightfully his.

The thief continued to chafe the Padishah's feet a little longer until the
latter was fast asleep,- he then stole noiselessly away and rejoined his
companion. "Hast heard what the Padishah said— that the woman
belongs to me ? " " Yes, yes, I heard," answered the other. Then the
thief pressed the point : " Whose is the woman ? " "I have said it, she
is thine," answered the other rather testily. " Now let us get away
from here, lest we should be discovered. I am nearly dead ,• I shall soon
lose my wits." The deceiver was certainly nearly out of his mind with
fright. Then the thief began again : " Thou hast lied ,- I will go once
more and ask the Padishah." Terror-stricken, the other shrieked : " Thou
wilt be caught. For all the world, let us go away out of this. Not
only shall the woman be thy wife, but I also will be thy bondslave ! "
At length they went away and took the money with them. They went

255

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

directly to the woman, who was so pleased with the thief's prowess that
she married him without further delay.

Next morning the Padishah woke up and called for his slaves. Deep
silence reigned everywhere. Seeing that no one came, the monarch
waited a little, then called again. Still no slave came. Then, his anger
rising, the Padishah sprang from his bed and saw the basket suspended
from the balcony. "What's this?" he said, and taking down the
basket, saw his attendant in a state of insensibility within. Then calling
more loudly, a number of slaves ran in and brought back the stupefied
man to consciousness. The King demanded to know what was the
matter with the man. He was quite unable to say. Now it began to
dawn upon the Padishah that he had during the night listened to some
story told by a thief. He seated himself at once on his throne and sent
for his vezirs. All the vezirs, beys, and mighty men came, and when
they were assembled the King related his experience of the previous night.
" This thief must be found," he concluded ,• " let heralds proclaim in all
the city that he may come to me in confidence. I swear by Allah that
no harm shall be done him ,- he may keep the gold he has stolen and he
shall have a pension besides."

Thus the heralds proclaimed the will of their lord and master. The thief
heard, and when he knew that the Padishah had sworn he went boldly
into his presence and said : " O Shah, thou mayst kill me or reward me :
I am the man ! "

"Why hast thou done this thing?" demanded the monarch. The thief
related all from beginning to end.

True to his oath, the Padishah allowed the thief to keep the stolen
treasure, and settled a pension on him for life. But the latter, out of
gratitude for the Padishah's clemency, vowed on his heart and soul that
he would never steal again ,• and both he and his wife prayed constantly
for the health and happiness of the Padishah as long as they lived.

256

JUtrv

HERE was once
said to his son:
must continue my
the forest. Every tree
that on the edge of
must spare." Some
died, and was buried.
The young man took
and felled trees for his
day in the neighbour-
tree, he found himself
be the reason for it
the rest were to come down,
why, he took his hatchet
tree. But behold ! as though
to retreat from him, and
The w o o d-
trotted after
he had not
Tying up his
another tree,
into its leafy
and settled
wait till morn-
Next day he
to find that

.^-^vjvj

poor woodcutter who
" When I am dead you
work. Go daily to
you may fell, except
the forest,- that you
days afterwards he

up his father's work

livelihood. Being one

hood of the forbidden

wondering what could

being spared while all

Presently, scarcely knowing

and began to cut down the

the tree had feet it began

his blows cut only the air.

cutter bestrode his ass and

the tree, but night fell and

caught it.

animal to

he climbed

b r a n c hes

himself to

ing.

d e scended

nothing

257

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

was left of his ass but
I must go on foot," said
after the tree. He fol-
could not overtake it.
was preparing to follow
he came upon a snake
He stood and watched
in the snake swallowing
got it down, but the
Both beast and reptile
both appealed to him
phant promised him
only he would kill the
hand, the snake said :
that task is easier and
greater," Thinking that
thing to do, the youth
with his hatchet. The

its bones. "No matter,
the woodcutter, and ran
lowed it all day, but
On the third day he
it again, when suddenly
and an elephant fighting.
the combat until it ended
the elephant. The snake
tusks stuck in its throat,
saw the young man, and
for assistance. The ele-
everything possible if
snake. On the other
"Break off his tusks,-
the reward will be
was the most sensible
struck off the tusks
snake was extremely

^fF ^T ^^'?^* ^^^M |k M^^

258

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

grateful for the service rendered, and told the young man to come with
him and receive the promised reward.

Stopping at a spring on the way, the snake said to his com-
panion : " Remain here while I take a bath ,• and whatever happens,
fear not/'

Hardly had the snake glided into the water when a fearful hurricane
arose,- lightning flashed and thunder rolled, as though the end of the
world had come. Soon, however, all became calm again,- the snake
emerged from the water in the form of a man, and they pursued their
journey.

They travelled merrily along, drinking coffee, smoking their chibouques,
and sowing violets, until, when they were nearly at home, the Snakeperi
said to the young man : " Soon we shall arrive at the house of my
mother. When she opens the door I shall address you as ' Brother,'
and call you into the house. You will be offered coffee, but accept it
not / food will be set before you, but do not touch it. By the gate you
will find a small piece of mirror,- request my mother to give it to
you.

They reached the house, and as the peri knocked at the door, his mother
herself opened it. " Come in, brother," he said to the young man.
''Who is your brother?" inquired his mother. "One who has saved
my life," replied the peri, and told his mother what had happened. They
entered the house, 'and the woman offered coffee and a chibouque to the
young man, but he did not accept them. " I am in a hurry," said he in
excuse,- "I cannot remain here." "At least rest awhile," suggested the
woman,- "we cannot allow a guest to go without taking something."
" I need nothing," answered he. " But by the gate is a small piece of
mirror ,• if you will offer me that, I will accept it." The woman was not
disposed to give it, but her son was angry that she should refuse such a
trifling thing to the preserver of his life,- therefore she gave it— but
unwillingly.

259

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

The young man departed with the piece
of mirror, and on the road he looked at
it, turning it over on all sides, wondering
of what use it could be to him. While
he was thus fingering it an Arab appeared,
one of whose lips touched the sky and
the other swept the ground. The young
man would have died of fright if the appari-
tion had not reassured him, and asked :
"Your command, my Sultan?" It was
all he could do to find courage enough
to ask for something to eat. In a trice the
most delicious food was set before him, such
as he had never seen before. This done, the
Arab disappeared.

The youth's curiosity was now aroused
about the piece of mirror,- he took it out
again and looked at it. Immediately the
Arab was before him, saying: "Your
command, my Sultan ! "
In his confusion the young man stam- ~
mered out something about
a palace, and behold ! there
rose up before him an edi-
fice much more magnificent
than the Padishah inha-
bited. " Take it away," said
the youth, and the palace
instantly disappeared.
He was now very proud
of his wonderful posses-
260

(%dgl,s

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

sion, and thought of
should wish for next.
Padishah had a lovely
he looked in the mirror.
Sultan ! " exclaimed the
the youth ordered a mag-
Padishah's daughter her-
he uttered the wish, when
palace and the Princess
embraced, and kissed
happy as the days were
In the meantime the Padi-
the mysterious disap-
He commanded search
throughout the land, but
possible to find her. Then
advised the Padishah to
with tin. Into this he
and cast her into the
find the Princess, either
ocean or on the other.
The box was accordingly
supplied with food, then
was enclosed and thrown
on the crest
box at
up on the
where was
the young
Sultan's _.
Some fisher- ^^

nothing but what he
He remembered that the
daughter, and at once
" your command, my
thick-lipped Arab ,- and
nificent palace with the
self in it. Hardly had
he found himself in the
sitting by his side. They
each other, and were as
long.

shah was informed of
pearance of his daughter,
to be made for her
all in vain,- it was im-
came an old woman who
have a box made, lined
must put the old woman
sea. She promised to
on this side of the

made, and well

C ~%^ the old woman

^j^^-^^41''' into the sea. Borne

of the billows, the

length was cast

shore of the city

the palace of

man and the

daughter.

3cn*<.q me" ^ho

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

were standing on the beach saw the box, and throwing out hooks
and ropes, they dragged it ashore. As soon as they opened it,
out jumped the old woman, and in answer to the inquiry whence
she came, she said : " May my enemy be struck bHnd !— I have not
deserved such treatment/' As she wept, every one believed
that she was a cruelly used old woman. " Where is the Bey of this
city ? " she asked,- " perchance he will pity me and give me shelter
in his house." The onlookers showed her the way to the palace
and encouraged her to believe that there she would meet with
aid.

Arrived at the palace she knocked at the door, and the Princess called
from above asking what she wanted. The old woman recognised
the voice, but as though she were a stranger she begged to be taken
in as a domestic servant. "My husband will be home this evening,"
answered the Princess,- "till then remain in the corner." When the
master came he gave orders that the old woman should be taken
into his service.

Though the old woman had been several weeks in the palace she
had never once seen a cook or a servant of any sort, yet the richest
and costliest foods were served up and the most scrupulous cleanliness
prevailed everywhere. One day she ventured to ask the Princess
whether she did not feel lonely, and suggested; "With your permission,
I would spend some of the time in your company,- that were surely
better." " I will speak with my husband on the matter," answered
the Princess. The youth offering no objection, the old woman now
daily spent a considerable time in the Princess's private apartment. One
day the former made bold to ask whence came the food and where
were the servants. As the Princess was unaware of the existence of
the mirror she could not say. " Ask your husband," suggested the
old woman, and when he came home the Princess was so amiable
with him that he showed her his treasure.
262

♦

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

This was not sufficient, however, for two or three days later the old
woman advised her mistress to ask her husband to give her the mirror,
to amuse herself with during his absence. He could refuse her nothing,
and so he gave it to her.

OW was the old woman's opportunity. Discovering the place where
the Princess kept the mirror, she stole it, and looked in it. "When the
thick lipped Arab appeared and asked, "What is your command?" she
ordered ; " Take me and the Princess to her father." She further
commanded him to burn down the palace, and when the woodcutter's
son came in the evening he found nothing but his cat warming itself
at the smoking ashes of his beautiful home. He happened to find
the remains of some food which the Princess had thrown away, and
'putting this into his knapsack he set forth to seek his wife, even though
he should have to go to the world's end to find her.
He wandered so long and so far that at length he reached the town
where dwelt the Padishah, his fatherinlaw. He went to the palace
kitchen and begged the cook to employ him ,■ this was done out of
pity for his destitute condition. After a few days he learnt from his
fellow-servants that the Sultan's daughter had returned home after
a mysterious absence.

One day the cook was taken ill, and the young woodcutter offered to
take his place, The cook gratefully accepted the offer and explained his
duties. Rvery thing was done satisfactorily, only, when sending in the
dishes, the temporary cook laid the broken food he had picked up at his
ruined home on the Princess's plate. When she saw it she realised that
her husband was somewhere close at hand. She sent for the cook and
asked who was with him in the kitchen. At first he denied but finally
admitted that a young man was assisting him. The Princess now
hastened to her father and told him that in the kitchen was a young
servant who made such delicious coffee that she desired to have him for
her own coffee-maker. Henceforth he made the coffee and took it up

263

TURKISH FAlRy TALES

personally to the Princess. Thus

they came together again, and the

Princess told her husband who was

the cause of their misfortunes. They

deliberated constantly on the best

means to recover the mirror.

The young man visited the Princess

so often and remained with her so

long at a time that the old woman's

suspicions were aroused. To be

brief, she looked into the mirror and ><♦«-*

had him carried off to the ashes of ^helllcu^ejJcwUfnan oe^ea

Kic fr\rrr\£>r* rxdlam^ r— 1<> frMinrl hie •^ ^ ^/^

V[lmib

AiTe

h'sh'ii^

his former palace. He found his
cat still there, she having kept herself
alive by catching and eating mice.
She had devoured such an army of mice, however, that the Mouse-
Padishah had not enough soldiers left to defend his realm. The King
of the Mice was much concerned about it, but none of them dared
approach the cat on the subject.

One day he saw the young man and begged his aid to save his kingdom
from ruin. " I would gladly help you," returned the youth, " but 1
myself am bowed down with grief" " What troubles you ? " asked the
Mouse-Padishah. The woodcutter's son now told him the story of the
mirror that had been stolen from him by the old woman. " That matter
can be rectified without difficulty," the Mouse-Padishah assured him.
Calling all his mice together, he asked which of them inhabited the palace
and whether they knew where the mirror was hidden. An old lame
mouse limped up, bowed low, and kissing the earth before the Padishah,
said he had seen the mirror, which the old woman placed under the
pillow every night.

The Padishah ordered him to obtain possession of it without delay,
264

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

Two of his companions offered to accompany him, and as he was so old
and infirm they carried him on their backs to the palace. It was night
when they arrived, and the old woman had just eaten a good supper.
" We are in nice time for a feed," said the lame mouse, as they entered
the room. They ate their fill, and awaited an opportunity to accomplish
their object. When the old woman had gone to bed they waited
patiently until she was fast asleep. Then the lame mouse climbed upon
the bed and tickled the old woman's nose with his tail until she sneezed
so violently that her head nearly fell from her body. While this was
happening the other mice dislodged the mirror from under the pillow ,•
after which they took the lame mouse on their backs again and scurried
away.

The youth, delighted to have recovered his cherished mirror, took up his
cat, that she might not harm his friends the mice, and withdrew.
Now he took out the mirror and glanced at it. Instantly the Arab
stood before him. "Your command, my Sultan?" he asked. The youth
requested a suit of clothofgold and a mighty army. Turning round next
moment he saw the raiment ready to hand, and he put it on. A
prancing steed stood before him, and when he had mounted it an immense
army followed him. Thus he entered his native town in triumph. He
drew up before the palace gates and his soldiers formed a cordon round
the building. When the Padishah saw the invading host he trembled for
his life and throne.

The youth approached the monarch and assured him that there was no
cause for fear if he would give him his daughter in marriage. Overwhelmed
with joyful surprise the Padishah was willing to give the young man, not
only his daughter, but even his kingdom as well. The old woman was
dragged off by the thick'lipped Arab,- and the lovers lived happily ever
after— never parting with the piece of mirror, which proved to be their
help in every need.

265

WO^i

[HERE was once a Padishah
beauty. Whoever saw him
young Prince, and his father
from his son for a single
Unhappily, however, the Padi-
spite of the attention of the
learned hodjas of the kingdom,
from the whole serai, but they
mausoleum was built and the
rest within ,• then the Shahzada,
year, ascended the throne.

who had a son of incomparable
was struck with the handsome
could hardly endure to be away
halfhour.

shah was taken ill and died, in
most skilful physicians and
Bitter lamentations ascended
availed nothing. A stately
remains of the late ruler laid to
who was in his twentyfifth

266

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

years passed away, and being one day somewhat indisposed he resolved
to seek change of air by making a tour with his lala. Not overburdening
themselves with luggage, they mounted their horses, halting not until
they had accomplished a day's journey. They continued their onward
course until they reached a spring in the midst of a wide plain. The
bubbling water was partly hidden by trees,- the meadows around them
were covered by sweet-smelling flowers. It was like a smiling garden,
and the ice-cold water of the spring was refreshing and reviving. When
the Padishah, who since his father's death had grieved continually, saw
this, he said to his lala : " I am charmed with this place ,• let us sit down
that I may lave my feet in this cooling stream and afterwards rest.'' The
lala was encouraged to hope that the loveliness of this spot would
assuage his master's grief They sat down, drank coffee, and lighted their
chibouques. Throughout the evening they heard the songs of nightingales,
and so agreeable was the spot that they found it hard to leave it. " I must
stop here some days longer," said the young Padishah, " for surely this
delightful place is without compare in all the world." The lala agreed
that it was indeed delightful, yet as it was in the desert they could not
well remain there at night. " Then for the present we will remain to-night
only," said the Padishah ,- " but in a few days we will come here again."
After they had been sitting some time, the Shah arose and walked to and
fro. " Inshallah," he said, " I will have a kiosk built here, where I may
pass my summers." While speaking, they saw in the distance an old
man approaching with a jug in his hand. Presently he came up and
filled his jug at the spring. The Padishah's curiosity being excited he
exclaimed ; " O father, who are you and whence do you come ? " The
old man answered ; " At half an hour's distance is a kiosk belonging to a
maiden called 'Little Hyacinth.' This spring also is hers. She comes
here every year to spend three days. Forty Dews guard her. How did
you dare to come here ? I advise you to depart quickly before you are
observed, or you will be put to death."

267

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

Though alarmed, the Padi-
asked the old man who this
a place, guarded by forty
and repeated his warning,
said, " but you must hasten
hood." The Shah, however,
old man observed the re-
youth. Surely there could
in the world ? He was as
—as like as one half-apple
Therefore he now said:
distance, behind a high
of the Dews that guard
seek her protection, and
Hyacinth."
The Shah de-
low the advice
and set off with
time they
mountain, and
sight that
the stoutest
A Dew - wo-
minaret, sat in
leg upon the
the other
before her. She

shah was also curious, and
maiden was to live in such
Dews. The old m^n smiled,
"I am sorry for you," he
away from this neighbour-
would not give in. The
markable beauty of the
not be a handsomer man
beautiful as their Hyacinth
is to its corresponding half
" young man, atone hour's
mountain, dwells the mother
the maiden. Go there and
ask her how you may see

termined to fol-
of the old man,
hislala. Indue
crossed the
there saw a
might cause
heart to quail,
man, tall as a
the valley, one
mountain and
stretched out
chewed a piece

0 ^aljjee tfljc Jt ll)oI>ajUlljeJ^aJ4J,

268

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

of resin as large as a house, and the sound made thereby could be heard
two miles off. When she breathed she caused a whirlwind which blew
up sand and earth ,• and her arms were eight yards long. The two men
were so frightened and bewildered that they were hardly able to greet her
as " Mother/' and embrace her as they had been instructed. They
managed the feat, however, and the old woman answered : " I should
have crushed you like flies if you had not embraced me and called me
Mother. Who sent you here?" Trembling from head to foot the
Prince replied : " O Mother, at a well we met an old man, one of the
servants of Little Hyacinth, who warned us to come to you if we
would escape death. O Mother, how looks Little Hyacinth? Since
first I heard her name I have had no peace, and I must see her.""
" Little Hyacinth is of wonderful beauty,'' answered the woman. " Her
equal does not exist on earth. Many have attempted to see her, but
none have succeeded, though nearly all of them have died for her.
I have forty sons who guard her kiosk by day and by night. They
never allow so much as a bird to approach her. Put the idea out
of your mind ,• otherwise you will die, and that would be a pity."
Nevertheless the Shah implored : " Deign to help us. Mother,
and I will repay you." He begged so long and so humbly that the
Dew'woman softened at length, and changing the lala into a broom
and the Padishah into a tobacco-box, which she put in her belt, she
set forth and in three strides was at the kiosk. She now took from
her pocket a handful of sand, strewed it about the floor, and said
to the transformed Shah ; " Fear nothing. At present the Dews are all
asleep. Go straight to the chamber wherein the maiden lies sleeping. Do
nothing more, however, than take the ring from her finger and bring it to me."
The Padishah took courage and entered the chamber where the maiden
was sleeping. What a sight met his gaze ! The choicest words could
not accurately describe the maiden. Her arms glistened like turquoises,
and as she lay in bed she looked truly like a houri from Paradise. His

269

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

eyes were dazzled by the
lost his presence of mind,
words of the Dew^mother,
finger and hastened back to
him up, and in three strides
where she changed him into
Waking from sleep next
that her ring was missing
can I have put it?" she
fallen down somewhere/' She
vain / she sought it in the
Then she called the Dews
they did not know. The
scolded them ,• so they went
to seek the missing ring,
wards they went to their

sight of her, and he almost
However, remembering the
he drew the ring from her
the giantess. She picked
they were back at her house,
a jug and set him beside her.
morning the maiden observed
from her finger. "Where
mused. "Perhaps it has
searched the kiosk, but in
garden, equally in vain,
and questioned them, but
maiden was angry and
in forty different directions
but failed to find it. After-
motherandasked herwhether

i& iJscc hzusk^ io Ifdc til

e44.(*d

270

He kissed her cheeks

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

she knew anything about it,- but their mother answered them: "Have
you lost your wits ? Can anyone enter the kiosk so long as we are
here? Who knows? Probably the frivolous girl has dropped it
somewhere/^ And she sent her sons away.

EXT evening the Shah begged the Dew-mother to let him see the maiden
once more. The woman took him again to the kiosk, strewed sand as
before, and said : " Now go to the maiden, but beware of doing anything
save what I tell you. Take one of her ear-rings and come back quickly."
The Shah, going straight to the maiden's chamber, took one of the rings
out of her ear, and, though he found it hard to leave her, he ran quickly
back to the Dew-woman. Changing him again into a jug, the woman
went home and set it on the floor.

'When she awoke next morning. Hyacinth observed that now one of her
ear-rings was missing. Very angry at this second outrage, she sent for
the old man, who, though he well knew what had happened, answered ;
" My daughter, no bird flies over here, no caravan passes, no snake
crawls here. That you have been robbed is impossible,- perchance the
rings fell in the grass when you were walking. I will seek, and if I find
. either or both I will bring them to you."
With such words he attempted to calm the maiden. She was not so
easily satisfied, however, and said : " Those are mere words. It is
certain that some one has entered my chamber and stolen my jewellery."
She then made the Dews understand that if anything further happened to
her she would know what to do. Throughout the day she was
exceedingly angry.

At the Shah's earnest supplication the Dew-mother took him again to
the kiosk, but forbade him to do more than kiss both cheeks of the maiden
and return quickly to her. Full of joy, the youth entered the chamber.
But the maiden, owing to her excitement, could not sleep and was gazing
round her. As soon as her eyes lit on the handsome youth she was
overcome with rapture. He, however, thinking she slept, kissed her
272

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

cheeks, and was about to depart when she clasped him in her arms, saying :
" Darling of my heart, how came you here ? Fear not ,• I am yours. I
have now found that which I have long sought." The Shah could hardly
believe his good fortune, and overcome by the maiden's loveliness, he
swooned away. She brought him to consciousness with rose-water, and
they talked with one another until daybreak.

Then said the maiden : " Henceforth I am yours and you are mine.
I will never part from you although I cannot leave this place. If you
love me, remain here." The Padishah replied : " O my Sultana, I am
a king. When travelling one day I saw a spring in this neighbourhood
and resolved to build a summer residence near it." Then he told her
all his adventures. " If that is the case," said the maiden, " let us go
to your capital city for our marriage and afterwards divide our time
between your country and mine." Calling the Dews, they all went
together to the Dew-mother, and the maiden said; "O Mother, we
have found each other, and we go hence. May Allah bless and protect
you.

The Dewwoman replied : ■" Go safe and sound ,- but send me forty
sheep daily or you will not prosper." " We owe you so much," said
the Padishah, " that I will gladly send the forty sheep daily, and your
sons shall continue to guard this place."

Thus they departed, and in due time arrived in the Padishah's capital.
The whole serai turned out to welcome them home. The Grand Vezir
was summoned, and the betrothal took place. Then followed forty days
and forty nights of revelry and rejoicing, and on the forty-first their
union was solemnized.

They lived together in perfect harmony and bliss to the end of their
long lives, partly in the Padishah's realm and partly in Hyacinth's kiosk ,•
and never once did they forget the daily toll of forty sheep to the
Dew-mother.

s 273

HERE was once a Padishah
Padishah, being angry with his
be beheaded. The Vezir endea-
from his cruel purpose, saying:
as one day and you have but
will surely repent of it." The
self with sending the Prince into
sent from me," said his mother,
they left the palace together.
After considerable wander-
where they sojourned for
along the water-side one day
against a stone, and on
dazzled by its splendour.
The Prince put the stone in
mother and son resumed their
to a town, where they hired a
keeping.

The Padishah who dwelt
forbidding the lighting of can-
tion at night ,- but
had found, when
illuminated not
city. The woman
stone, as when its
274

who had a son. One day the
son, commanded that he should
voured to dissuade the King
" O, Padishah, forty years are
one son,- kill him not or you
monarch therefore contented him-
!^\p exile. " If my only child is to be
' "\ will not remain here." So

ing they reached a lake,
some time. While strolling
Prince Ahmed kicked his foot
taking it up he was quite

his pocket, after which
journey, and presently came
house and commenced house-
here had issued a decree
dies, lamps, or any illumina-
the stone which the youth
laid on a table in the room,
only the house but the whole
advised her son to hide the
brightness was perceived it

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

would be taken from them, and moreover they might get into trouble on
account of it. But the Prince would not listen to her, arguing that as
they had lighted neither candle nor lamp they had not trangressed the
royal command.

One night the Padishah, looking out of his window, saw the bright light
which emanated from the glistening stone. He called his Vezir and
inquired what this illumination could mean. All the lala could tell him
was that the light issued from a certain house. Immediately servants
were sent to investigate. They knocked at the door and informed the
youth that he was summoned to the Padishah's presence. The youth
accordingly went to the palace, and the King asked him how he dared
to set at naught the royal command. Prince Ahmed excused himself
by saying that he had done nothing contrary to the King's decree,-
the light came neither from candle nor lamp, but from a stone which
he had picked up. "Bring me the stone," ordered the Padishah. So
the youth returned home for the stone, took it to the palace and
delivered it to the King, glad that the danger was past.
The Padishah showed the stone to his Vezir, who said ; " My Shah,
that is a diamond,- demand from the man who brought it a sackful,
for where this one was there must be many more." Immediately the
Padishah again summoned the youth and ordered him to bring a sackful
of diamonds. " Whence shall I obtain them ? " asked the youth. "That
is your affair," replied the Padishah,- "and if in forty days you fail to
procure them, I will have your head."

Very crestfallen, the young Prince went home to his mother and told her
of the task imposed upon him. " Did I not tell you the stone would
bring us much illluck ? " ejaculated his mother,- "where can we get so
many diamonds ? " and she burst into tears. They both continued in a
state of despair for several days, and then the mother with sudden
resolution said: "Weeping will not avail,- something must be done
Go where you found the stone and see if you can find others."

275

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

The youth mounted his horse and rode quickly to the
spot. While he was searching for stones he saw a
large mountain in the distance. Curiosity led him to
cross it, and on the other side he saw a serai. He
approached it and found the edifice was guarded by
a seven'headed dragon. "What was I seeking, and
what have I found ! " exclaimed the youth, and in his
rage he drew his handschar and struck off six of the
dragon's heads at one blow. "Strike once more if
you are a man," challenged the dragon. " Not I,"
replied the youth, and left the dragon to his fate.
Suddenly he heard a great noise issuing from the serai,
and caught the words : " You have killed my enemy,
and are now forsaking me ! " He returned to the spot
and, entering the palace, saw a maiden of radiant
beauty, who said: "O youth, it is ten years since I
was taken captive by the dragon ,■ now I am yours ,•

'r^^

276

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

take me whithersoever you will/' The youth told her that at present
he had other grave matters to attend to ,• but the maiden implored him
not to forsake her, so eventually he set her before him on horseback and
they returned together to the Prince's mother.

The youth's grief and sorrow were observed by the maiden, and one day
she ventured to inquire what trouble oppressed his heart. "Ask me
not," replied the youth ,- " Allah alone can aid me." But she gave him
no peace until he told her, whereupon she said : " It were a pity to
grieve over such a trifling matter,- I will help you. At present,
however, I am very thirsty,- bring me a jug of water from the spring
and let me take a good draught." The youth thought within himself
that he had brought her home only to be a vexation. She was his guest,
however, and, though somewhat cross, he brought water from the spring
and gave it to her. Instead of drinking it, however, the maiden told the
youth to sprinkle her with the water from head to foot. He did so,
and lo ! the water fell from her in the form of resplendent diamonds.
" Now gather them up, put them in a sack, and take them to the
Padishah," said the maiden joyfully ,- and this he did accordingly.
After Prince Ahmed had taken his departure, the Padishah called his Vezir
and showed him the diamonds. "Now you see," replied the Vezir
triumphantly, " I was right. Demand from him next a sackful of pearls."
" Where can he get them ? " asked the Padishah. " From the same place
as the diamonds," answered the Vezir,- "do as I advise you." So the
Padishah sent for the youth once more, and ordered him to bring a sackful
of pearls. " Whence can I get so many pearls ? " asked the youth.
" I give you forty days," replied the King ,- " if by then they are not here
your life shall pay for it."

With downcast head and sorrowful countenance the youth went home.
" What is the matter?" was the maiden's greeting, and he told her his new
trouble. " Go," she answered, " and behind the serai where you first met
me you will find another serai containing what you seek."

277

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

The youth mounted his horse and set forth. In due time he arrived at the
serai, where he slew another dragon. Kntering the palace and looking
round, he saw another maiden more beautiful than the first. Her also he
took home with him. There she requested him to sprinkle her body with
water, which fell from her in the form of lustrous pearls. The youth
collected them all in a sack and delivered them to the Padishah.
The avaricious Vezir, seeing the pearls, was still unsatisfied, and advised
the Padishah to demand a sackful of rubies. The sorely tried Prince told
the maiden of his third task. " Now," said she, " beyond the second serai
is a third. There you will find what you need." Obediently the youth
mounted his horse and rode oif.

Again fortune favoured him ,• he found the third serai, slew the guardian
dragon, and entering discovered a maiden lovelier than either of the others.

He mounted her before

her home to his mother's

with water, which fell from

rubies. These he gathered

the Padishah.

When the Vezir saw

King: "No

time a kiosk

and rubies,

of the sea."

doubted

could really

cult task,

to him the

him forty

grace in

to fulfil it.

youth

278

him on his horse, and took
house. He sprinkled her
her body transformed into
into a sack and took to

them he said to the

see ! Demand this

diamonds, pearls,

erected in the midst

The Padishah

whether the youth

perform such a diffi'

but he made known

royal will, and gave

d a y s'

which

T h e

deeply

em Vq tte JuaJtjha.h

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

repented ever coming to that city, and went home with a countenance
clouded by sadness.

As the maidens welcomed him and perceived his sorrowful mien, they
demanded to know the cause, which the youth told. Then said the
eldest : " Go to such and such a place, where there is a mountain ,• ascend
that mountain, and from its summit shout with all your might : ' Hadji
Baba ! ' and when you hear a voice reply, say : " Your eldest daughter
desires her smallest serai.' If no reply be vouehsafed, beware not to
shout again or you are lost."

Mounting his horse, the youth proceeded direct to the place indicated.
He arrived at the mountain-top, and shouted as loud as he could : " Hadji
Baba ! " The earth seemed to shake beneath him, and a voice demanded :
"What do you seek here?" "Your eldest daughter desires her smallest
serai," answered the youth. Then came again a rumbling of the earth,
and a sepulchral voice said : " Her wish is granted even before she asked
it." Waiting for nothing else the youth hastened homeward.
Next morning when the Padishah rose from his bed and looked through
the window, his eyes were so dazzled by what he saw that he had to
shut them. "What can it be?" he wondered, and rubbing his eyes, he
clapped his hands to summon his Vezir. "What has happened to my
eyes ? " he asked,- " I cannot look outside without blinking." " It is the
kiosk of precious stones in the midst of the sea that dazzles your eyes,
O Padishah," answered the Vezir. On hearing this the King was
impatient to go with all his vezirs, pashas, and beys to inspect his latest
possession.

While the whole court was thus engaged in inspecting the kiosk the
maiden advised the youth to go to the mountain and ask for the kiosk to
be taken back. So the youth hastened forth, galloped up the mountain
and shouted, " Take back the kiosk ! " The ground trembled beneath
him, and the same sepulchral voice answered : " We have taken it
back'!" On his return home the youth saw that the kiosk was no

279

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

longer where it had been, and he was informed that the
Padishah and his whole court had been drowned in the
sea. Then said the maidens : " This city is no longer the
place for us,- let us go, my Shahzada/' So Prince
Ahmed with the three maidens and his mother set out
on the journey to their native land.

On the road they encountered a lame Dew. The youth
would have slain him instantly, but the Dew implored
him to spare his life, hinting that the youth might find
him useful. As the maidens supported the Dew's
petition, he was spared and joined the party.

When they arrived within sight of the capital
they sat down to rest, and the eldest maiden
by her magic art created on the spot a palace
more magnificent than anyone had ever seen
before.

It chanced that the Padishah, the young
Prince's father, looking out of the window, saw
this fine palace, and summoning his Vezir,
asked the meaning of it. Servants were
dispatched to inquire, and they returned with
the intelligence that this wonderful palace was
the residence of Prince Ahmed, who was
the Padishah's own son. On hearing this the
Padishah went himself to the palace. His son
received him with every mark of respect and
great joy, and presented the three maidens,
whose beauty so fascinated the monarch that
he wished to have them in his own palace.
When he returned to his own palace he said to
his Vezir: "Let Prince Ahmed be put to
280

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

death/' The Vezir attempted to dissuade him, reminding him how once
before he had banished his son in anger. " Who knows," he continued,
"what sufferings he endured!" Notwithstanding all the Vezir's
pleading the Padishah insisted that his son must be put to death. " Then
if it must be so," said the Vezir, sighing, " invite him to the palace and
poison his food."

Next day the Prince received an invitation to dine at his father's palace,
and as he was departing the maiden took a ring from her finger and gave
it to him, saying: "When you are in the palace, touch with this ring
whatever food is set before you." Putting the ring on his finger, the
youth went his way. He conversed with his father for some time, after
which food was brought in. All the dishes intended for the Prince were
poisoned, but unobserved he touched them with the ring before eating them,
and they did him no harm. The table was cleared and he took his leave.
Seeing his son did not die from eating the poisoned food, the Padishah
summoned his Vezir and asked what must be done now. The latter
advised the King to invite his son to play a game of tawla with him,
the loser to agree to be bound with cords. " If the Prince loses," said
the Vezir, " you will bind him and put him to death." Thus once more
the youth was invited to his father's palace. After a repast the
Padishah said : " Come, my son, let us play at tawla, the loser to
be bound by the winner." They played and the Padishah lost. The
Prince, however, waived the forfeit, not suspecting any evil intention
on his father's part, and they resumed the game. A second time the
Padishah lost. Again the youth waived the forfeit, with deep respect
requesting his father to continue the game, and intentionally allowed the
King to win. Then said the Padishah to his son : " I shall now bind
you in accordance with our agreement." The Prince offering no
objection, his father bound him with strong cords, and afterwards sent
for the executioner. Meanwhile the Prince gave his bonds a strong pull
and freed himself.

281

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

When the Padishah saw this, he pretended that the whole thing was
only a joke, as he wished to find out whether his son possessed manly
strength. " In that case," said the Prince, " bind me with iron chains."
Accordingly this was done, but the Prince broke the chains also at
a single pull. Secretly angry, the Padishah endeavoured to devise some
means of destroying his son. Outwardly smiling, he said to the Prince :
"I see, my son, that you are a valiant fellow,- but perhaps you will
tell me wherein lies the secret of your strength." Suspecting no evil,
the Prince answered that if three hairs were taken from his head and
bound round his finger, he would be rendered quite helpless. The
Padishah said he would like to test it, and the Prince being willing
to submit, he himself pulled out three of his hairs and handed them
to his father. The Padishah bound them round the finger of his son, who
became as helpless as a babe.

Now the Padishah called in the executioner and ordered him to cut off
the Prince's head. The executioner, however, refused and ran away.
The Padishah knew not what to do next. After a while he himself put
out his son's eyes, placed them in his pocket, and had the Prince taken
to a distant dry well and cast therein. The Prince's little dog followed
his master to the well, jumped in after him, and remained his faithful
companion in misfortune.

A brief period elapsed, and the Padishah made known his intention
of taking the three maidens to his palace. They stipulated, however,
that he should send for them forty carriages, each occupied by a maid,
and forty empty carriages besides for their belongings.
This was done accordingly, but the three maidens cut off the heads
of the forty maids and sent them back in the empty carriages. This
aroused the Padishah's wrath and caused him to proclaim war on the
maidens,- but the maidens, aided by the lame Dew, completely destroyed
the army sent against them.

Meanwhile a caravan stopped in the neighbourhood of the well into
282

-■-^^^P^

The Padishah called in the executioner

TURKISH FAlRy TALES

which Prince Ahmed had been cast. His little dog made friendly
overtures to the people, who gave him bread. This he took direct to
the well and let it fall down, returning to the caravan again, and yet
a third time. The leader of the caravan seeing this, said; "This dog
either has young ones or some one is in hiding." He followed the
creature and saw it cast the bread into the well,- he then went to
the well and shouted down, hearing in answer the words: "Deliver
me from this well."

Without delay a rope was let down, and the person at the bottom directed
to seize it ,■ but the cry was returned that the unfortunate prisoner's hands
were so bound that he could not grasp anything. The Prince related how
his enemy had dealt with him. Then said the leader of the caravan : " If
we take you with us it may be thought that we have so treated you, and
thus our caravan would be subjected to many annoyances. It were best
that you remain here and pray to Allah for aid." On this they gave him
food and drink and abandoned him. Prince Ahmed was grateful for this
small mercy,- and as he sat lamenting next night a pir appeared before
him. He took two eyes from his pocket and adjusted them in the empty
sockets of Prince Ahmed, who instantly received his sight. The pir to
whom he owed this good fortune, however, had disappeared before the
Prince could look at him.

The youth now returned direct to his native town. He went to his
father's serai, and finding that the Padishah was at war with the maidens
he said: " My Shah and father, in three days I will capture the Dew and
deliver him into your hands." His father rejoiced at this, and promised,
if he did so, to grant all his wishes. Hitherto the Dew had slain all who
had been sent against him. Prince Ahmed requested his father to allow
him to choose a horse and sword for himself His own horse and sword
had remained in the palace since the fateful day when his eyes had been put
out, and he chose these. Girding on his sword and mounting his steed he
sallied forth to meet the Dew.
284

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

2) geJDe J ttjw J fcim do JtjfVcmlite {hccne

When the maidens saw this youth coming alone against them, they con-
cluded the Padishah had no more men to send. As the Prince approached,
the Dew, instead of attacking him, suddenly desisted, and the two oppo-
nents faced each other with drawn swords. Renewing their friendship, the
two returned together to the palace of the Padishah. At sight of the Dew
the King was seized with terror. " Bring him not hither,'' cried the King
trembling,- but the Prince scornfully replied : "Our arrangement was that
I should capture the Dew ,- now you shall kill him." Upon this the Dew
set upon the Padishah, threw him down from his throne, and killed him.
Then turning to the Vezirs, the Dew said: "Behold ! His son Ahmed it
was who brought me here." The Vezirs, who had never approved of
the Padishah's cruel behaviour toward the Shahzada, now set the Prince
on the throne amid great rejoicing.

His first act as Padishah was to send for his mother and the three
maidens, who all shared in the happiness of his glorious reign.

285

N old woman
some liver to
her daughter a
which to buy a
it in the pond
straight home/'
girl went ac-
tscharschi, and
the liver, carried
and washed it.
drew it from the
a stork swooped
liver and flew
girl exclaimed :
the liver, O
may take it to
she will beat
"If thou wilt
I will give thee
replied the

C \r^ LacS> Lc? vA^^^

once fancied
eat, so she gave
^J ^ few paras with

portion. " Wash
and bring it
she said. The
cordingly to the
having bought
it to the pond
As she with-
water, however,
down upon the
off with it. The
" Give me back
stork, that I
my mother, or
me.

give me barley,
back the liver,"

stork.

The girl accordingly went to the farmer and said : " Farmer, give me
barley, that I may give it to the stork, who will give me back the
liver, that I may take it to my mother."

Said the farmer : ■" If thou wilt pray to Allah for rain, I will give thee
barley."

This seemed very simple, but while she was praying : " Send rain, O
Allah, to the farmer, who will give me barley, that I may give it to the
stork, who will give me back the liver, that I may take it to my mother,"
286

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

there came a man who said that
without incense prayer could not
avail.

So the girl went to the merchant
and said: "Merchant, give me in-
cense, that I may burn it before
Allah, who will send rain to the
farmer, who will give me barley,
that I may give it to the stork,
who will give me back the liver,
that I may take it to my mother."
" I will give thee some," answered
the merchant, "if thou wilt bring
me shoes from the shoemaker."
Off the girl went to the shoemaker
and said: "Shoemaker, give me
shoes, that I may give them to the
merchant, who will give me incense,
that I may burn it before Allah,
who will send rain to the farmer,
who will give me barley, that I may
give it to the stwrk, who will give
me back the liver, that I may take it to my mother."
But the shoemaker replied ; " First bring me ox-leather, then will I give
thee shoes."

So the girl went to the tanner, and said : " Tanner, givt me leather, that
I may give it to the shoemaker, who will give me shoes, that I may give
them to the merchant, who will give me incense, that I may burn it
before Allah, who will send rain to the farmer, who will give, me barley,
that I may give it to the stork, who will give me back the liver, that
I may take it to my mother."

287

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

"Bring me a hide from an ox and I will
give thee leather/' answered the tanner.
So the girl went to the ox and said ; " Ox,
give me a hide, that I may take it to the
tanner, who will give me leather, that I
may give it to the shoemaker, who will
give me shoes, that I may give them to the
merchant, who will give me incense, that I
may burn it before Allah, who will send
rain to the farmer, who will give me barley,
that I may give it to the stork, who will
give me back the liver, that I may take it to
my mother/'

The ox made answer: "If thou wilt bring
me straw I will give thee a hide."

The girl now went to a peasant
and said : " Peasant, give me straw,
that I may give it to the ox, who
will give me a hide, that I may
take it to the tanner, who will give
me leather, that I may give it to
the shoemaker, who will give me shoes, that I may give them to the
merchant, who will give me incense, that I may burn it before Allah,
who will send rain to the farmer, who will give me barley, that I may
give it to the stork, who will give me back the liver, that I may take it
to my mother."

How could the peasant refuse? "I will give thee straw if thou wilt
kiss me," said he.

The girl concluded that she must kiss the peasant if she would attain
her object. So she kissed him and received the price. She took the
straw to the ox, who gave her a hide, which she took to the tanner,
288

a Hie Jrtcinc\r

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

who gave her leather, which she took to the shoemaker, who gave her
shoes, which she took to the merchant, who gave her incense, which she
burnt before Allah, praying : " Give rain, O Allah ! " Allah gave her
rain, which she took to the farmer, who gave her barley, which she took
to the stork, who now gave her back the liver, which she took to her
mother, who cooked it, and they ate it up.

289

HERE was once a

had three daughters.

cotton, the others

thus they earned

bread.

Once these girls saw a gipsy

and said to each other : " Let

All agreeing, they called the

had her hand crossed with

the sisters: "Thy kismet is

To the middle sister she said :

tery",- and to the youngest

in shame^" Having uttered

gipsy disappenred.

One day while the: eldest girl

broke, the spindle flew up'

over and over until it

peared down the well.

exclaimed, " my spindle

me to recover it." Her

rope round her body

the well.

Now when the girl

torn she saw an iron

it, and entering saw a

den lying asleep,

by their side.

shawl and

youth and the Cj

290

widow who
One spun
sewed, and
their daily

passing along the street,
us have our fortunes told."
old woman, who, having
silver, said to the eldest of
at the bottom of a well/'
" Thy kismet is in the ceme-
she said : " Thy kismet is
these ominous words, the

was spinning, her thread
ward, then fell and rolled
suddenly disap-
"Oh dear!" she
is in the well ,• help
sisters bound a
and let her down

reached the bot-
gate. She opened
youth and a mai-
a baby in a cradle
She took off her
covered the
maiden with it ,•

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

and her eyes lighting
it up and stuck it in
complished, she re-
the well and gave the
pull her to the surface,
was asked why she
the well. " I sought
it," was the answer,
to be content.
The youth was the son
den was a peri, and as
with him, they met
of the well. When she
shawl around her she
" Oh dear ! " she cried,
covered us,'' and in-
taking the baby with her.
missed his knife and failed
" Now I am delivered from
if possible, who has taken
out of the well, purchased
and ends, and cried them
Whoever wished to buy
that he was not selling for
would gladly trade with
knife of any kind,
Going up and down the
length to the house wherein
They
in and
distaffs.

Tfc^«w£d ih

on a knife, she picked
her girdle. This ac-
turned to the mouth of
signal to her sisters to
Arrived at the top, she
had been so long down
my spindle until I found
and with that they had

of a rich man, the mai-

she had fallen in love

everyday at the bottom

woke up and saw the

was greatly distressed

" a mortal has dis.

stantly she disappeared.

When the youth

to find it he observed :

the peri I will discover,

my knife." He climbed

a collection of odds

for sale in the streets.

from him was informed

money, but that he

anyone who had a

streets, he came at

dwelt the three sisters.

called him

4 .| chose

« nVeci? needles, and

J J 291

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

silks,- and when they asked the price the merchant told them he could
not accept money for the articles, but would take an old knife. Upon
this the eldest sister produced the knife she had brought up out of the
well.

This he accepted in exchange for the goods, then went home and told
his mother she must go to the maiden who had delivered him from the
peri and ask her in marriage for him. The lady went on her son's
behalf/ the maiden consented to become his wife, and in due time the
wedding took place.

HAVING this happy couple, let us follow the fortunes of the remaining
sisters. One day they went together to the bath. They washed, and
were on their homeward journey, when suddenly the middle sister
discovered that the youngest was no longer by her side— she had
disappeared entirely. The disquieted sister searched the district for the

♦ lost one, but she had gone without leaving the slightest trace behind.

▲ Being completely exhausted with her efforts, the middle sister sat down
to rest in a cemetery, and there, overcome by fatigue, she fell asleep.
Suddenly she was awakened from sleep by the neighing of a horse, and
looking round she saw a man alight from a steed. He went to a
certain tomb, which he opened, brought forth a youth, gave him some-
thing to smell, and thus restored him to consciousness. He then gave
him food and drink and demanded to know whether the youth would
obey him. " I would rather die," answered the youth, whereon the man
shut him up again in the tomb and went away.

The youth was a shahzada who had once been very ill, and the man
was a physician on whom the sick Prince's beauty had made such an
impression that he could not endure the thought of being parted from
him. " I will cure you," said the physician one day, " but only if you
promise to obey me ever after." The Prince would not agree, and the
physician in revenge administered to the Prince a stupefying draught, on
which he fell into a death-like trance. His parents, believing him dead,
292

" / would rather die," answered the youth

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

buried him in the vault,
went the physician to
until he should yield to
Having witnessed this
maiden waited till day
purchasing a plateful of
she was very hungry,
served that all the people
and she inqnired the
died forty days ago,"
remains on our hands."
to be taken before the
had an important meS'
She was accordingly
and when the Sultana
maiden informed her that her
dead as she supposed, but alive,
me for my husband and I w:
you," said the maiden to the
" My dear, you are surely mad,"
Sultana. "He died forty days
bones must be
of him." The
ever, swore that
was still alive,
believe, come
night and I will

294

Hi-

and there every night
torment the poor youth
his wishes.

dramatic scene, the
dawned, then went home,
lokma on the way, as
While eating it she ob-
in the shop were weeping,
cause. " The Shahzada
they said, " and his lokma
On this she requested
Sultana, for whom she
sage.

conducted to the palace,
appeared the
son was not
" Give him to
restore him to
Sultana,
answered the
ago / to-day his
all that is left
maiden, how-
the Shahzada
"If you do not
with me this
show you

a tjCf bAvA ncucK en'

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

your son." The Sultana consulted the Padi-
shah on the matter, and at night they went to
the cemetery. Here they concealed themselves
and watched. At midnight the physician
appeared, opened the tomb, and having restored
the Shahzada to conscious-
ness, put his question, and
received the same answer
as before. Hearing their
son's voice the royal
parents hastened to the
tomb and, weeping, pressed
him to their hearts. Later
the wicked physician had
his head struck off, and
the maiden who had been
the means of restoring the
Prince was united with him
in marriage.

Meanwhile the youngest
girl, having found her way

home, was waiting and waiting for her sister to return. As she did not
come she put on a worn-out feredje and set out in search of her, begging
her bread from house to house as she went. One day she called at a
house where the tenant had a son who did nothing from morn till eve
but lie on his back with his head between a couple of pillows. His
parents had often wished to get him married, but he would not look at a
prospective bride, and so all the girls had refused to have anything to do
with him.

When the youngest sister knocked at the door her speech and pretty face
gave great pleasure to the old parents. They received her kindly, and

295

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

after a little reflection asked : " My child, we have a son ,• would you like
to become his wife?'' "Yes, indeed," replied the maiden. "But," said

not speak a word to any'

the mother, " our son will
one." "Never mind,"
will soon make him speak
band." So they were mar-
alone with the young man
The girl now saw that
been ■ described. He kept
two pillows, and never
one. The maiden
room, went towards
as though speaking to
ling, let me go,- do
The old people were
hearing the words,
maiden had succeeded
son's interest.
In the evening food
young pair, but the
deigned to raise his
ions. So the maiden
after which she lay
to sleep, keep-
on the young
the top of the
When he
she was

answered the maiden, "I
when he becomes my hus-
ried, and the girl was left
to make his acquaintance,
he was actually as he had
his head stuck between
opened his mouth to any-
closed the door of the
the young man, and
him said: "My dar-
not hold me so tight ! "
istening outside, and
concluded that the
awakening their

set
young man
head from his
ate both
down and

before the

never

cush-

portions,

pretended

ing an eye

man over

bedcover.

t h o u g ht

asleep he

got up quietly, opened the door, and went upstairs. The girl followed
him stealthily and saw his meeting with a lovely creature, beautiful as the
full moon, who greeted him with these words : " O my bey, why have
296

ItM

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

you been so long? I was tired of waiting,- if you had delayed longer I
should have left you." The youth explained what had happened, and
how he had been obliged to wait until the girl was asleep.
The lovely maiden was the daughter of the Padishah of the Peris, whom
the youth had first seen in a dream and fallen in love with. " If you will
look at no other woman but me," the peri-maiden had said, " I will visit
you every night." Thus it was that the youth stuck his head between
the pillows and refused to glance at any other woman. When the peri-
maiden heard of the youngest sister she said : " If you look at her but
once, you will never see me again."

As soon as the eavesdropper heard these words she returned to the room
and locked the door. When the youth returned to his own room, he
found the door locked against him. There was no alternative but to beg
the maiden within to open the door for him. She answered that she would
let him in only on his solemn promise to converse with her awhile. As
there was no avoiding it, he promised. The maiden, opening the door,
let him in, and as his glance fell on her a wall rose up by magic between
the stairs and the door— a sign that the peri-maiden would never more
return.

The youth's parents blessed Allah for the change in their son's disposition,
and were so pleased with their strangely-found daughterin-law that they
celebrated the marriage with festivities lasting forty days and forty nights.

297

cn<

eT^'

(JH^'^J

HERE once lived a man named
rich, and beside his wife had
only thing that disturbed his
had no child. "Allah/' said
much property and wealth,- I
would that He might vouchsafe
happiness complete. After my
fortune, and my fame would be
One night he was brooding as
to his wife: "Would it not
given us poverty with a
his wife very deeply,
she prayed to Allah
In the night she
sitting by the sea-
came to the surface
pot in her hand and
"Tell your husband
this kismet,- let hmi
She hastened home
and in her excite
Aga as well
"What is the
man. " Noth-
woman,- "but
298

Ahmed Aga. He was very
no one belonging to him. The
happiness was the fact that he
he, " has endowed me with
have also an honourable name ,-
me a child ! Then were my
death he would inherit my whole
enhanced."

usual over this matter and said
have been better if Allah had
child ? " These words pained
and before she went to bed
for consolation.

dreamt that she was
shore. A mermaid
of the water with a
said to the woman :
Allah has given him
come and fetch it."
to tell her husband—
ment woke Ahmed
as herself.

matter ? " asked the
ing," answered the
you have waked me."

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

"No," returned the man,

me." Then his wife re^

and heard in her dream.

woke me," muttered her

went to sleep again. To

dream was a thing of

Rising next morning, the

band to go down to the

no vain dream after all,"

foolish," retorted her hus'

in dreams,- if Allah has

He will do it by other

ever, gave him no peace.

insisted ,• " the sea will not

Allah will bless us in this

further withstand his wife,

stroll, he took the direction of

While pacing up and down

some dark object

on the crest of the b

he could see that

mouth of which

bound. Alter

hope and fear,

pot and with a

opened it. Ima-

find therein two

jijiui

" it was you who roused
counted what she had seen
" Then that was why you
husband, and turning over
his wife, however, the
good omen.

woman advised her bus-
sea-shore. " It might be
she mused. " Do not be
band/ "our kismet is not
any gift to bestow on us
means." His wife, how'
"Nevertheless go," she
engulf you, and maybe
wise." The man could not
so when he went out for a
the sea-shore,
he noticed that
washed ashore
it came nearer
it was a pot, the
was securely
nating betwixt
he seized the
b i s m i 1 I a h
gine his joy to
new-born babes.

eJ'^'bo'ffn DS^be<^

299

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

When Ahmed Aga saw them he was like a child himself,- in his delight
he knew not what to do first. Taking off his cloak, he wrapped the
babes carefully in it and ran all the way home. He arrived out of
breath, and dropped the bundle in his wife's lap. When she opened it
and saw what it contained she too was frantic with joy, kissing the
children and pressing them to her heart. The babes being hungry soon
began to cry lustily. This brought the worthy couple to their senses,
and soon Ahmed was on the road in search of a nurse for their
unexpected family. Before long he found a suitable woman, and
engaged her at a very generous wage. As soon as she arrived the cries
of the infants were stilled immediately. On the following day two
more nurses were engaged, and thus cared for the children, a boy and a
girl, grew fat and strong.

N another town there was likewise a man who had no children, although,
like Ahmed Aga, he greatly desired a son. So he and his wife prayed
earnestly to Allah that he would give them a child, and when they
learned that their prayers were to be answered, their rejoicing was
unbounded. The good news came to the ears of a servant who at
one time had been in that household, but having been dismissed by the
wife for neglecting her duties, she was desperately jealous at the
happiness which was coming to her former mistress. Determined to
take her revenge, she presented herself as a nurse, and was engaged. In
due time twin babies, a boy and a girl, were born ,• but while their mother
was sleeping, and before ever their father had seen them, the false nurse
put the children into a pot, and having sealed it carefully, cast it into the sea.
While the husband was sleeping, the false woman sat by him and
whispered in his ear so that he thought it was a dream sent by Allah.
She told him that he had been deceived and had, after all, no child. As
the mother had been asleep, she could not tell what had become of her
children, and certainly they were nowhere to be found. So the husband,
believing his dream, was very angry at what he thought was his wife's
300

The false woman sat by him and whispered in his ear

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

attempt to deceive him, and he drove

her out of his house. The poor

creature had not a friend in the world,

and went forth weeping bitterly.

She wandered on from one hill to

another, until one day, although it was

dark, it seemed as though each hill

was a different colour from the others.

Fear seized upon her heart and tears

started from her eyes. Hunger and

fatigue overcame her, and she knew

not what to do. Seeing a tree, she

climbed up to spend the night in it and

await Allah's pleasure toward her.
Having settled herself among the leafy
branches, she wept herself to sleep.
When morning dawned she descended
in the hope of meeting with a passer-
by or coming to a village where she
might obtain a little bread.
But, alas ! no aid was nigh, and after
wandering for many hours she sank down from sheer exhaustion.
Presently, however, she saw in the distance a shepherd, and, summoning
the remainder of her little strength, she accosted him. Offering her
bread, the shepherd asked her trouble. When he had heard it he took
pity upon her and led her home to his wife, his son, and his
daughter.

As time went on the poor woman had almost forgotten her sorrow,
excepting her grief for the loss of her children, over whom she often
sighed and wept. How fared they in the meantime ?
With the good Ahmed Aga and his wife they grew up to their fourteenth
302

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

year and went together to school. One day the boy was playing with a
companion, who, jealous of his superiority over him, said : " Be off, you
fatherless and motherless brat, found by Ahmed Aga on the sea-shore."
At these words the boy's brow became clouded, and he ran away
angrily to his foster-mother, telling her what had been said to him. She
endeavoured to calm him, but that same night the boy dreamt of the
shepherd's hut and of his mother, who in the dream related all her
sufferings. When he repeated the dream to his sister, lo ! she also had
had a similar dream. Then the boy knew that what his playfellows had
taunted him with was no untruth, but the fact. They went together to
their kind foster-father and told him what they had both dreamt. The
good man was troubled, but confessed that he had indeed found them in
a pot washed up by the waves,- of their mother he knew nothing. The

303

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

brother and sister were in despair at the thought of their poor mother
hVing in a shepherd's cottage. It was impossible to comfort them, and
finally the boy declared his intention of setting out to find his mother.
His sister was left behind in the kind hands of her foster-parents.
Spurred on by his heroic courage and anxiety for his mother, the boy
made all haste, and as he lay down to rest under the stars one night the
place of his mother's sojourn was revealed to him in a dream. To cut
our story shorter, we will only say that in one day he covered a five-
days, journey without experiencing either hunger or fear. As he
followed the course indicated in his dream he found his further progress
barred by a hideous dragon. The boy had no weapon, but picking
up a large stone he flung it at the ugly beast with such tremendous force
that the creature reeled backward and fell to the earth. " If you are a
man throw another stone at me," shouted the dragon,- but the youth
went his way, leaving the dragon to perish.

Indefatigably the boy travelled, and in due time reached the valley where
his mother had once spent the night in a tree. Here he stopped, and at
the foot of the tree sought the rest that had long been denied him.
While he slept, the brother of the dead dragon, having heard what had
happened, came in search of the boy. The monster's heavy strides
caused the earth to tremble and awoke the youth. " I am certain you
are the youth who has killed my brother," began the dragon. " Now it
is my turn." Saying this, with jaws foaming and fire issuing from his
lostrils, he sprang upon the lad. In self-defence the youth grasped the
d ragon's fore-leg, using such strength that he tore it from the body and
flung it away. Then the dragon sank down weakening from loss of blood,
saying: "To him who has taken my life belongs my treasure." The
unwieldy beast rolled over and over and finally disappeared into a cavern
at the foot of a mountain.

Prompted by curiosity, the youth glanced into the mouth of the cavern
and saw a staircase leading downward. Descending, he found a palace,
304

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

which he entered and
tions. In one apart-
sitting on a throne— a
his heart was a thou-
love of her. On her
enraptured with the
but, not knowing of
tion, she cried : " Woe
sees this youth he will
addressing the youth
came you into this
Dragon? Whomsoever
by his mere glance/'
Now the youth
how he had slain both
besought her to come
she appeared not to
repeated his words
hasten, as he had
fulfil. "That being
at last, "there is
might take away with
ing the way and the
entered the forty
each of which was filled
and precious stones,
said : " My dear, I have

eJftl

explored in all direc-
ment was a maiden
maiden so lovely that
sand times filled with
part the maiden was
youth's comeliness ,•
the dragon's destruc.
unto us ! If the dragon
kill us both." Then
she asked : " How
palace of the Breathless
he looks upon is slain

related to the maiden
dragons, and he
away with him. As
comprehend, he
and urged her to
other business to
so," said the maiden
much here that we
us." The maiden lead-
youth following, they
rooms of the palace,
with gold, diamonds.
However, the youth
first an important duty

\^'2

ai.d&vt

yJti'

"33

clfeg^w, aHff.

305

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

to perform,- when that is done, we will return and take away as much of
this treasure as we please."

Thus they departed, and at some distance saw the shepherd's hut which
sheltered the youth's mother. At once he recognised it as the building
seen in his dream. Hurrying up, he knocked at the door, and it was
opened by his mother herself Each recognised the other from their
dreams, and they fell into each other's arms.

Next morning they all set off together for the dragon's palace. On the
backs of the horse and donkey they brought with them, they packed as
many sacks of gold and diamonds as the animals could possibly carry.
Then they hastened, with brief pauses for rest, to the home of Ahmed
Aga, where the youth rejoined his sister and the mother saw her daughter.
Now the joyful woman was repaid for all her past sufferings, and they
all lived happily together for many years.

The worthy shepherd's son was betrothed to the youth's sister, while the
youth himself was betrothed to the maiden of the dragon's palace. A
suitable husband was found for the shepherd's daughter, and they were
all married on the same day, the festivities lasting forty days and forty
nights, and their happiness for ever.

306

Sh4> ^^^ssitf

N a certain country
three daughters. So
one day there was
bread in the house,-
what else to do, the
thread. This they
saying: "Take this
it for a few paras,
thing to eat." The
thread, but no one in
look at him.
While pacing to and
an Arab appeared be-
" What hast thou
The old man
thread, and re-
must sell it in order
The Arab asked
" My daughters at
reply. The Arab
and paid gene-
then asked the man
his daughters,
my daughters on
the man, " and if
of them, thou shalt
Arab accom-
Arriving there, the
eldest daughter :

lived a man who had
poor were they that
not even a crust of
and not knowing
girls spun some
gave to their father,
to the tscharschi, sell
and bring home some-
old man took the
the tscharschi would

fro in deep dejection,
fore him and asked :
to sell, father ? "
showed him the
marked that he
to obtain food,
who had spun it.
home," was the
bought the thread
rously for it. He
to give him one of
■"I will speak to
the subject," said
I can persuade one
have her." So the
panied him home,
father said to his
" If I offered thee
307

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

an Arab for husband, wouldst go to him ? " She replied : " What could
I do with an Arab ? Marry me to some one more useful," He then put
the same question to his middle daughter, whose answer was the same as
that of her elder sister. His youngest daughter, however, said she was
prepared to marry the Arab in order to lighten in some measure their
burden of poverty.

The Arab accordingly took the maiden under his care, and, giving the
old man much gold, he departed with her.

FTER they had gone some distance the Arab said to the maiden : " Shut
your eyes— open your eyes ! " Immediately she found herself in a
magnificent palace with slaves supporting her arms as she ascended
the grand staircase. She imagined herself in Paradise, it was all so
wonderful. At the top of the stairs other slaves escorted her into a
chamber glistening with diamonds and pearls, for the walls and floor
were inlaid with these gems, while the ceiling was ornamented with gold
and silver stars. When she had taken a seat, these slaves remained
at hand with bowed heads and folded arms, while other slaves appeared
with a sable robe and a dress ornamented with gold and silver sequins in
which they clothed her.

In the evening delicious food was served to her in golden dishes, the
repast concluding with a glass of sherbet, after drinking which she fell
into a deep sleep. Immediately the slaves lifted her up and carried
her to bed. While she slept the bey of the palace entered, and gazed at
her in admiration, but departed before she awaked. When the maiden
rose next morning, slaves appeared to bathe and clothe her and obey her
slightest behest. Such was her daily life for three whole months, until
home'Sickness seized her and she longed for a sight of her father and
sisters.

One day she spoke of the matter to the Arab who had brought her
thither. " Lala," said she, " may I not be allowed to spend a few days
with my father and sisters ? " The Arab replied : " Call me not lala :
308

While she slept the bey of the palace entered

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

my name is Laklak Aga. I am the guard of the palace." Next day
she addressed him again as lala, and repeated her request ,• but the Arab
simply corrected her as before. On the third day, however, when she
addressed him as " Laklak, my Aga," he listened to her request : " I am
longing to spend one or two days with my father and sisters." " Very
well," promised the Aga, " to^morrow we will go."

The Arab spoke to his master the bey on the subject. The latter had
no objection, but impressed upon the Arab that he must not allow the
maiden to remain long out of his sight. Thus, on the following morning
the maiden prepared for her journey home with Laklak Aga, who
supplied himself well with gold. " Shut your eyes— open your eyes ! "
commanded Laklak Aga, and behold ! they were at their destination, and
in a few moments the maiden was receiving the caresses of her now
happy father and sisters. There was great joy in the house that day.
With the money he had first received the old man had opened a shop,
and now the Arab gave him more gold with which to extend his
business.

Meanwhile the other girls asked their sister how it fared with her.
" Not very well," she replied ,• " every night I have to drink a glass
of sherbet and I fall asleep directly." They next asked her whether she
had ever seen the bey. She answered that the Arab was the only man
she had ever seen. On this they gave her a sponge, saying : " When
sherbet is next brought to you, pretend to drink it, but instead let
the sponge absorb it ,• then lie down and seem to be asleep. You will
thus see what happens to you."

When the few days had expired she took leave of her father and sisters
and left her home under the Arab's escort. With "Shut your eyes-
open your eyes ! " she found herself back again in the serai.
In the evening sherbet was brought as usual,- but the maiden very
cleverly, while pretending to drink it, allowed it to fall into the sponge she
held. This done, she lay down and appeared to go to sleep. Slaves
310

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

carried her to bed,
bey came and stood
Hearing footsteps,
opening her eyes to
tered, and the bey,
a^^^ake, l<^new
ceived them ail
"So thou hast
ing us to satisfy
he exclaimed an-
ishment thou shalt
shoes, and with an
hand thou shalt seek
till thou findest me/'
he disappeared.
The maiden was ac-
with iron shoes, and
in her hand
p i 1 grimage.
over moun-
leys, and
though on
found the
travelled
of a barley-
suing her
long she met
man who

ttje

and, as usual, the
looking at her.
she could not help
see who had en-
seeing that she was
she must have de-
about the sherbet,
thought by cheat-
your curiosity ? "
grily. " As a pun-
be shod with iron
iron staff in thy
me for seven years
With these words

cordingly shod
taking an iron staff
she set out on her
She wandered
tains, through val-
across plains,
looking back she
distance she had
was but the length
corn. Pur-
way, ere
a Dew-wo-
had a horn
311

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

on her head and tremendous feet. She greeted the Dew-womanl with
" Salaam ! " whereupon the creature answered : " If thou hadst not
greeted me I should have pulled thee to pieces and devoured thee."
■"And if thou hadst not returned my greeting/' retorted the maiden, " I
should have knocked thee down with my staff." The Dew-woman now
asked whence she came and whither she went, and the maiden told her
all. Then the Dew-woman informed her that Shah Jussuf the bey
had just passed that place,- if she would go farther she would meet
another Dew-woman who would tell her more.

The maiden wended her way onward until she met the second Dew-
woman, who informed her that Shah Jussuf had passed not long ago.
Farther and farther she went, until she met a third Dew-woman, who was
cleaning a warm oven. The maiden asked her whether she had seen
anything of Shah Jussuf "Why dost thou ask?" inquired the woman,
who was in fact the bey's aunt. After the maiden had told her story
the Dew-woman observed : " If thou wilt, thou shalt remain with me.
Shah Jussuf visits me every seven years,- thus thou canst meet him
here."

Kissing the woman's hand, the maiden consented to stay. But the
woman proceeded: "Thou canst not remain with me in thy present
form, however, for I have forty sons, and if they saw thee they would
eat thee up." Saying this the Dew-woman gave the maiden a knock,
changing her into an apple, which the woman set on a shelf
At night the Dew-sons came home and said to their mother : " We smell
human flesh ! "

"What should a human being be doing here?" was the rejoinder.
Nevertheless, when they had finished their supper the mother asked:
" If anyone should stray hither, and, kissing my hand, beg me to receive
him as my child, what would ye do in my place?" "Accept him
as our brother and do him no harm," answered the Dew-sons. At these
words the Dew-woman took down the apple from the shelf, and giving it
312

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

a slap, transformed it again into a maiden. " Go and kiss your brothers'
hands," she commanded. The maiden did so, and the Dew'Sons
accepted her as their sister. Shortly after her arrival among them a little
son was born to the girl, and him also the Dews accepted as a relative,
and treated with kindness.

EVEN years the maiden passed in their company, and when the seventh
year had nearly run out, the Dew-woman observed one day to the
maiden ; "Shah Jussuf will be here soon. If he requests a glass of water,
bring it, and when he returns the empty glass, let it fall from thy
hand and break. I shall then pretend to be angry with thee, and by that
we shall see whether he loves thee. If so, he will not permit me to beat
thee."

Some days later Jussuf appeared, looking very sad and careworn.
After greetings had been exchanged, his aunt asked him why he was so
downcast, instead of in his usual merry mood. "I am suffering the
pangs of grief," answered the youth,- "wherefore am I sad." The
woman professed not to understand. Food was brought in, and while
eating Shah Jussuf asked for a glass of water. It was brought
by the maiden, and in drinking Jussuf kept his eyes continually upon her,-
he could not help seeing in her a vivid resemblance to the wife he was
seeking. Having emptied the glass, he handed it back to the maiden, who, as
though from carelessness, let it fall to the floor, where it broke in pieces.
Now the Dew-woman sprang up from her seat, overwhelmed the girl
with reproaches, and would have beaten her soundly had not the Shah
interceded on her behalf, placing the blame on himself instead of the
maiden. The Dew-woman immediately calmed down, and dismissed the
girl with the words : " Get out of my sight."

Shah Jussuf could not help thinking of the maiden, and he questioned his
aunt as to whence she procured her, and whether she would not sell her
to him. The Dew-woman, however, would not agree to part with
her, saying that the girl was indispensable in the house.

313

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

Shah Jussuf remained a few days longer and then departed. Yet not-
withstanding, that it was his custom to visit his aunt but once in every
seven years, in three months he was back again. " Thou rascal ! "
exclaimed the woman playfully on seeing him again so soon. But to the
maiden she said : " On thy account is he come ,• when thou bringest in the
food, upset the dish."

They sat down to supper, and the maiden on entering with the food
stumbled, and the dish overturned and fell. In a great rage the woman
mercilessly scolded her for her clumsiness in the presence of their guest,
and would have beaten the girl had not the Shah forcibly held her back,
entreating her once more to pardon the poor girl. Gradually the Dew-
woman became calm, but seemingly with great difficulty.
Again the Shah took his departure. When he was gone the woman said
to the maiden: "He cannot endure it much longer,- he will surely come
again very soon, and when he does, open the door to him and tell him
who thou art. Moreover, wear the dress thou didst wear when with him,
and have the child by thy side."

Looking out of the window one morning she saw Shah Jussuf approach-
ing in the distance. She hastened to dress, and, with her son, ran out
to meet him. Seeing her in the dress she wore while at his palace, the
Shah knew the woman was surely his wife and the boy by her side his
son. Shyly and shamefacedly he glanced first at the maiden and then at
the child. Leaving the boy the wife fell on her husband's breast, and with
tears of joy at their reunion, told him all that had befallen her during their
long separation.

Shah Jussuf now sought his aunt and, kissing her hand, begged her per-
mission to take his wife and child away. " Take her and be happy— she
has suffered enough," said the Dew-woman.

Now with hearts overflowing with joy they set out for the palace of Shah
Jussuf. On their arrival home they were received with every demonstra-
tion of gladness, for during seven long years the Shah in his grief had not
314

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

inhabited his palace but had wandered over the face of the earth. Their
return was celebrated with forty days and forty nights of festivity and
merry-making. Shah Jussuf invited his wife's father and sisters to take
up their residence at his palace, and they all lived together in happiness to
the end of a long life.

315

♦ ♦

••

HKRR was once a Padishah
have all his children stolen as
seventh year. Grief at this
almost to lose his reason,
born to me/' said he, " each
the one which preceded it, so
them., O that one at least
that I should have had none

♦ ♦

Oj^

who had the misfortune to
soon as they reached their
terrible affliction caused him
"Forty children have been
seeming more beautiful than
that I never tired of regarding
had been spared to me ! Better
than that each should have

316

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

caused me so much grief." He brooded con-
tinually over the loss of his children, and at
length, unable to endure it longer,
he left his palace at night and
wandered no one knew whither.
When morning broke he was already
a good distance from his capital.
Presently he reached a spring, and
was about to take an abdest to
say the prayer namaz, when he
observed what appeared like a black
cloud in the sky, moving towards
him. When it came quite near he
saw that it was a flight of forty
birds, which, twittering and cooing,
alighted at the spring. Alarmed,
the Padishah hid himself As they
drank at the spring one of the birds
said: " Mother's-milk was never
our kismet. We must perforce
drink mountain ■ water. Neither
father nor mother care for us." Then said another : " Rven if they
think about us, they cannot know where we are." At these words they
flew away. The Padishah murmured to himself: "Poor things! Even
such small creatures, it seems, grieve over the absence of their parents."
When he had taken his abdest and said his prayers the day had fully
dawned and the nightingales filled the air with their delightful songs
Having travelled all night, he could not keep his eyes open longer from
fatigue, and he fell into a slumber while his mind was still occupied with
thoughts of his lost children. In a dream he saw a dervish approach-
ing him. The Padishah offered him a place at his side and made the

317

tcm a pUce 3X Irjc^ <j<

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

new'comer the confidant of his sorrow. Now the dervish knew what
had befallen the Padishah's children, and said : " My Shah, grieve not ,■
though thou seest not thy children, thy children see thee. The birds that
came to the spring while thou wast praying were thy children. They
were stolen by the peris, and their abode is at a year's distance from
here. They can, if they will, fly not only here but even into thy palace,
but they fear the peris. When thou departest from here, drink like the
doves from the spring, and Allah will restore to thee thy children."
The Padishah woke up from his sleep and, reflecting a little, he
remembered the words of the dervish in his dream, and he decided
to bend his steps towards the spring. What a sight his tycs beheld
there ! Blood was flowing from the spring. Alarmed, he wondered
whether he were sleeping or waking. Presently the sun appeared above
the horizon and he was convinced it was no dream. Closing his tyes
and repressing his aversion, he drank from the bloody spring as though
it were pure water,- then, turning to the right, he hastened on his
way.

All at once he saw in the distance what seemed like a great army drawn
up in battle array. Not knowing whether they were enenn'es or friends,
he hesitated about proceeding, but at length resolved to go forward and
take his chance. On approaching the army he was surprised to find it
was composed of dragons of all sizes, the smallest, however, being as
large as a camel. " Woe is me ! " he groaned ,- " who knows but what
I thought a dream was sorcery ! What shall I do now ? If I go forward
I shall certainly be cut to pieces, and I cannot go back without being
seen." He prayed to Allah for deliverance from this danger which
threatened him.

It happened, however, that these were only newly-born dragons, the
oldest being but a few days old. None of them had their eyes open.
Thus they were wandering about blindly, unable to find their home,
though keeping together by instinct.
318

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

This discovery was very reassuring for the Padishah, who gave the
dragons a wide berth and so continued his way without molestation.
IGHT came on, and as he wended his way among the mountains the
sound of a terrible howling smote his ears. It was the dragon^mother
calling her lost children. The Padishah was seized with fear as the
dragon, seeing him, exclaimed : " At last I have thee ,- my young ones
have fared ill at thy hands ,■ thou shalt not escape— thou who hast slain
a thousand of my offspring." The Padishah answered tremblingly that
he had indeed seen the young dragons, but had done them no harm ,• not
being a hunter, he had no thought of harming anyone. " If thou speakest
r the truth," returned the dragon-mother, " tell me in what direction my
children have gone." The Padishah accordingly explained where he had
seen them, whereupon the old dragon changed him into a tobaccobox,
which she stuck in her girdle. Thus she carried him with her on her
search for the missing young ones, and after a while she found them
quite safe and sound.

The Dragon-mother drove her children home before her, the Padishah
still as a tobacco-box in her girdle. By and by they came across the
four walls of a fortress standing in the midst of the desert. Taking
a whip from her girdle the dragon struck the walls a mighty blow, on
which they fell down and a larger dragon came forth from the ruins.
The walls now destroyed had enclosed a fine serai, which they entered.
The female Dragon, having changed the Padishah again to his original
form, took him into one of the apartments of the palace and thus
addressed him; "Child of men, why camest thou hither? I see thou
hadst no evil intention."

When the Padishah had related his story, the Dragon observed : " The
matter can easily be rectified. All thy children are in the Hyacinth
Kiosk. The place is a good distance away, and if thou goest alone
thou wilt hardly succeed in reaching it. After crossing the mountain
thou wilt come to a desert where my brother lives ,- his children

319

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

are bigger than mine and know the place well. Go to him, present my
compliments, and ask him to escort thee to the Hyacinth Kiosk." The
dragon now took leave of the Padishah, who set off on his journey.
It was a long time ere he had crossed the mountain and come in sight of
the desert. After traversing the latter for some time he saw a serai
much larger than the one he had left. At the gate stood a dragon twice
as large as the other,- at a thousand paces distant its eyes seemed to be
closed, but from the narrow opening between the upper and lower
lids came a ray of flame sufficient to scorch any human being that might
come within reach of it. When the Padishah saw this he thought to
himself: "My last hour is surely come." At the top of his voice
he shouted to the dragon his sister's greeting. Hearing the words
the great beast opened his eyes and as he did so, it seemed as though
the whole region was enveloped in flames. The Padishah, unable to
endure the sight, ran back. To the dragon he seemed no larger than a
flea, and consequently not worth troubling about.

[HE Padishah returned to the dragon-mother and related his terrifying
experience. Said she : " I forgot to tell you that I am called the
Black Dragon, my brother, the Red Dragon. Go back and say that
the Black Dragon sends greeting. As my name is known to no one, my
brother will recognise that I have sent you. Then he will turn his back
towards you, and you can approach him without danger ,- but beware of
getting in front of him, or you will become a victim of the fiery glances
of his cyts."

Now the Padishah set out to return to the Red Dragon, and when he
had reached the spot he cried with a loud voice ; " Thy sister, the Black
Dragon, sends thee greeting ! " On this the beast turned his back towards
him. Approaching the dragon, the Padishah made known his wish to go
to the Hyacinth Kiosk. The dragon took a whip from his girdle and
smote the earth with it so mightily that the mountain seemed rent in
twain. In a little while the Padishah saw approaching a rather large
320

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

dragon, and as he came near he felt the
heat that glowed from his great eyes.
This dragon also turned his back toward
the Padishah. " My son, if thou wouldst
enter the Hyacinth Kiosk,'' said the Red
Dragon, " cry before thou enterest, ' The
Red Dragon has sent me ! ' On this an
Arab will appear: this is the very peri
that has robbed thee of thy children.
When he asks what thou wilt, tell him
that the great dragon demands possession
of the largest of the stolen children. If
he refuses, ask for the smallest. If again
he refuses, tell him the Red Dragon
demands himself Say no more, but
return here in peace.''
The Padishah now mounted the back
of the dragon which the Red Dragon
had summoned and set off. Seeing the
Hyacinth Kiosk in the distance the Padi-
shah shouted: "Greeting from the Red
Dragon ! " So mighty was the shout
that earth and sky seemed to be shaken.
Immediately a swarthy Arab with fan-
shaped lips appeared, grasping an enor-
mous club in his hand. Stepping out
into the open air, he inquired what was
the matter. "The Red Dragon," said
the Padishah, "demands the largest of
the stolen children." " The largest is ill,"
answered the peri. "Then send the
X 321

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

smallest to him," rejoined the Padishah. " He has gone to fetch water/'
replied the Arab. "If that is so," continued the Padishah, "the Red
Dragon demands thyself." " I am going into the kiosk," said the Arab,
and disappeared. The Padishah returned to the Red Dragon, to whom
he related how he had fulfilled his mission.

Meanwhile the Arab came forth, in each hand a great club, wooden shoes
three yards long on his feet, and on his head a cap as high as a minaret.
Seeing him, the Red Dragon said : " So'ho ! my dear Hyacinther ,■ thou
hast the children of this Padishah ,• be good enough to deliver them up."
" I have a request to make," replied the Arab, " and if the Padishah will
grant it I will gladly give him his children back again. Ten years ago I
stole the son of a certain Padishah, and when he was twelve years old he
was stolen away from me by a Dew-woman named Porsuk. Every day
she sends the boy to the spring for water, gives him an ash-cake to eat,
and compels him to drink a glass of human blood. If I can but regain
possession of this youth, I desire nothing more, for never in the whole
world have I seen such a handsome lad. This Porsuk has a son who
loves me, and evil has been done me because I will not adopt him in place
of the stolen boy. I am aware that the children of this Padishah are
brave and handsome, and I stole them to mitigate my sufferings. Let
him but fulfil my wish, and I will fulfil thine,"
Having uttered this speech the Arab went away.

The Red Dragon reflected a little, then spoke as follows : " My son, fear
not. This Porsuk is not particularly valiant, though skilled in sorcery.
She cannot be vanquished by magic ,■ but it is her custom on one day in
the year to work no magic, therefore on that day she may be overcome.
One month must thou wait, during which I will discover the exact day
and inform thee thereof"

The Padishah agreeing to this, the Red Dragon dispatched his sons
to discover the precise day on which the Dew worked no magic. As
soon as they returned with the desired information it was duly imparted
322

•TURKISH FAIRY TALES

to the Padishah, with the additional fact that on that day the Dew-
always slept. " When thou arrivest," the Red Dragon counselled the
Padishah, " the youth she retains will come to fetch water from the spring.
Take his cap off his head and set it on thine own : thus he will be unable
to stir from the spot, and thou canst do what thou wilt with him."
The Red Dragon then sent for his sons, instructing them to escort the
Padishah to the Porsuk-Dew's spring, wait there until he had accom-
plished his object, and then accompany both back in safety.
Arrived at the spring, all hid themselves until the youth came for
water. While he was filling his bottle the Padishah sprang forth
suddenly, whisked off the youth''s cap, set it on his own head, and

instantly disappeared into his hiding-
place. The youth looked around, and
seeing no one, could not think what
had happened. Then the young dragons
swooped down upon him, captured
him, and with the Padishah led him a
prisoner to the Red Dragon.
Striking the earth with his whip, the
Red Dragon brought the Hyacinth
Arab on the scene, and as soon
as he caught sight of the boy
he sprang towards him, embraced
and kissed him, expressing his
deep gratitude to the friends
who had restored him.
Now he in his turn clapped his

i 4'A*^ f* h-S'^%

QV^'

323

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

hands and stamped his feet on the ground and immediately forty birds
flew up twittering merrily. Taking a flask from his girdle, the Arab
sprinkled them with the liquid it contained, and lo ! the birds were
transformed into forty lovely maidens and handsome youths, who drew
up in line and stood at attention, " Now, my Shah," said the Arab,
"behold thy children! Take them and be happy, and parden me the
suffering I have caused thee."

Had anyone begged the Padishah's costliest treasure at that moment
it would have been given him, so overwhelmed with joy was the
monarch at recovering his children. He freely pardoned the Hyacinth
Arab, and would even have rewarded him had there been anything
he desired.

The Padishah now bade goodbye to the Red Dragon. At the moment
of parting the Red Dragon pulled out a hair from behind his ear and,
giving it to the Padishah, said ;

" Take this, and when in trouble of any sort break it in two and I will
hasten to thy aid."

Thus the Padishah and his children set out, and in due course arrived at
the abode of the Black Dragon. She also took a hair from behind
her ear and presented it to the Padishah with the following advice:
"Marry thy children at once, and if on their wedding day thou wilt
fumigate them with this hair, they will be for ever delivered from the
power of the PorsukDew."

The Padishah expressed his thanks, bade the Black Dragon a hearty good-
bye, and all proceeded on their way.

During the journey the Padishah entertained his children by relating his
adventures, and then he listened to those of his sons and daughters.
Suddenly a fearful storm arose. None of the party knew what their
fate would be, yet all waited in trembling expectancy. At length one of
the maidens exclaimed : " Dear father and Shah, I have heard the Arab
say that whenever the Porsuk-Dew passes she is accompanied by a
324

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

storm such as this. I
now passing, and no
courage, the Padishah
the Red Dragon and
Porsuk'Dew at once
with a crash, and at
Red Dragon came up
his whip. The Dew
ken her arms and
that she was quite in-
ther mischief.
The Padishah was ex-
should lose one of his
Red Dragon reassured
Shah," said he,- "take
shah accepted it, and
the sensation of
Descending to earth
just outside the
capital city. "Now
safe," said the Red
disappeared.
At sight of the
rets and familiar
birthplace they all
on their knees and
Since the
left his palace
t a t i o n and
reigned
all the pashas

:: jLS>

J jnrpj'

believe it is she who is
other." Collecting his
drew forth the hair of
broke it in two. The
fell down from the sky
the same moment the
swinging and cracking
was found to have bro-
smashed her nose, so
capable of inflicting fur-

ceedingly afraid lest he
children again, but the
him. "Fear not, my
this whip." The Padi-
as he cracked it he felt
being lifted into the air.
again, he found himself
gates of his own
thou art quite
^/,f Dragon as he

domes and mina-
walls of their
cast themselves
wept for joy.
Padishah had
continual lamen-
gloom had
preme, and now
and beys came
325

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

out joyfully to meet their returning master and his children. The
Sultana went down the whole line embracing and kissing her beautiful
sons and daughters, and the delighted Padishah ordered seven days and
seven nights of merrymaking in honour of the glad event.
These festivities were scarcely over when wives for the Padishah's sons
and husbands for his daughters were sought and found, and then
commenced forty days and forty nights of revelry in celebration of the
grand wedding.

Unfortunately, on the wedding day the Padishah forgot to fumigate
them all with the Black Dragon's hair, with the result that as soon
as the ceremony was over rain began to fall in a deluging torrent, and
the wind blew so fiercely that nothing could withstand it. At first the
Padishah thought it was merely a great storm, but later he remembered
the Porsuk-Dew, and cried out in his fear. Hearing the clamour, the
inmates of the serai, including the newlywedded princes and princesses,
came in to see what was the matter. The frightened Padishah gave the
Black Dragon's hair to the Vezir and commanded him to burn it
immediately. No one understood the order, and all thought the Padishah
must have lost his wits ,■ nevertheless his wish was obeyed and the hair
burnt. Immediately a fearful howling was heard in the garden outside,
and the Porsuk'Dew cried with a loud voice ; " Thou hast burnt me,
O Padishah ! Henceforth in thy garden shall no blade of grass grow."
Next morning it was seen that every tree and flower in the garden was
scorched, as though a conflagration had raged over the scene.
The Padishah, however, did not allow this loss to trouble him ,• he had
his children again with him, and that joy eclipsed any ordinary misfortunes
that might befall him. He explained everything to his suite, who could
hardly believe what they heard, it was all so astonishing. No further
danger was to be feared, and thus the Padishah and his family, with their
husbands and wives, lived happily together until their lives' end.

326

"J%ijav)''

HERE was once a bald-headed

young man whose mother was

very old. The woman wished

her son to learn a trade, but no

matter where she put him for

that purpose he always ran away.

One day he caught a glimpse

of the Sultan's daughter, and

from that moment he could think

of nothing but the Princess,

He went home and said to his

mother: "Go to the Padishah

and ask him to give me his

daughter." His mother was

astonished and answered: " Why,

lad, thou dost not possess five

paras and knowest no trade !

Thinkest thou the Padishah would give his

daughter to such a numskull ? " Nevertheless

as the young man insisted, the woman saw that he

could be satisfied only by her going to the King

on his behalf.

When she found herself in the presence of the

Padishah she said : " O my lord ! I have a son

who has tormented me every day with the request

that I should come to thee and ask thee to give

him thy daughter in marriage. I could bear his

importunities no longer, wherefore am I come.

Slay me or hang me, or otherwise do unto me

327

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

what seemeth good in thy sight." The monarch answered : " Send thy
son to me/' and dismissed her.

She went home and informed her son that he was summoned to the pre-
sence of the Padishah. When the youth arrived at the palace the Padi-
shah saw with disapproval that he was bald, and with a view to getting
rid of him said : " I will give thee my daughter if thou canst gather together
on this spot all the birds in the world." The young man, discomfited,
departed from the serai, absorbed in gloomy reflection, and fearing lest

the Padishah might order him to be put to

death he resolved to travel.

Many days after this, wandering in the

wilderness, he met a dervish, to whom he

related his difficulty. The dervish listened

patiently and then said : " Go to a

certain place where there is a tall

cypress tree,- sit down beneath it.

All the birds in the world will come

and alight thereon, and thou hast only

to utter the word ' Madjun ! ' to cause

them to stick fast to the tree. Then

collect them all and take them to the

Padishah."

Thanking the dervish for his useful
advice, the young man went his way
until he arrived at the place indicated,
where he sat down to rest under the
tall cypress tree. He waited until

S iAT)*y 4 ••Pf"^-" 1 ''" ^^^ ^'"^^^ "^ ^^^ world had alighted
JUe<«"vJ^W "l^v SCiecl thereon, then said "Madjun!" and

•p^tkaJiUj "° ^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^ ^° ^^ ^^^^'

>_J"^ s^ «3 Collecting them, he returned home and

328

He Waited until all the birds in the World had alighted

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

next morning carried his captives into the presence of the Padishah.
The monarch, not at all pleased that the apparently impossible task he
imposed had been accomplished, said : " Now go and get a covering of
hair on thy bald pate and I will then give thee my daughter."
The young man, very disappointed, took himself off and spent
several days in deep thought. Meanwhile the Padishah betrothed the
Princess to a son of his Vezir, and preparations for the wedding were
hurried forward. The young man, hearing of this, went on the bridal
night to the serai and hid himself on the roof, above the chamber in
which the Vezir's son and his bride were to sleep. As soon as he saw
them both enter he pronounced the word " Madjun ! " and they were
unable to move so much as an eyelid,

Night passed and the day broke. As the day wore on and the newly-
wedded couple failed to appear, a slave went, and peeping through
a chink in the door of their room, endeavoured to discover if anything
330

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

was the matter. The bald-
this, cried "Madjun!" and
unable to stir from the
In short, as one after the
until every one in the palace
word " Madjun ! " was
transfixed, unable to move
The Padishah was at a
of it all, and sent for a
surely help him in this
The young man came down
tion on the roof and stole
sengers. On the way they
to buy some meat, and
on a carcass to indicate
J5ald man, having overtaken
and they all found
to the meat.
Meanwhile the Padi'
awaiting the return of
coming angry at their
able to endure it
after them. Passing
imagine his surprise
stuck by their hands
"O merciful Allah!

V ^...A(M1

m&vcitu

headed one above, seeing
the slave found himself
spot.

other came to the door,
was gathered there, the
uttered and all became
hand or foot,
loss to know the meaning
certain hodja, who would
strange matter,
from his elevated posi-
after the Padishah's mes-
entered a butcher's shop
as they laid their hands
what they wanted, the
them, cried " Madjun ! "
themselves stuck fast

shah was impatiently
his messengers and be-
delay. At length, un-
longer, he himself went
the butcher's shop,
to see all his servants
of meat
i ? " cried

avoid Hje Jwnac^rj«tli

331

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

the Padishah, and ran immediately to fetch the hodja. When the latter
arrived he said : " My lord, thou hast promised thy daughter to a certain
bald-headed young man, and as thou hast not fulfilled thy word, he it is
that is doing these things."

" What is to be done ? " asked the King. The hodja answered : " No-
thing can be done except to give him thy daughter."
The Padishah returned to his palace and summoned the youth to his
presence. When the latter heard that the King's servants were seeking
him he hastened home and instructed his mother as follows : " If I am
asked for, say I am not at home and have not been seen for a long time.
If they ask where I may be found, answer that for so many gold-pieces
thou wilt undertake to find me."

Hardly had he said this than there came a loud knocking at the door.
When the old woman opened it she was asked whether the bald young
man was at home. She answered as her son had advised her.
" But where must we look for him ? " demanded the messengers. " The
Padishah requests him to present himself, and receive the Princess in
marriage." At these words the old woman's interest appeared to
increase. " I know not whither he is gone," she answered, " but
give me a thousand gold pieces and I engage to find him." The
stipulated amount was paid over. " Go, then," said the King's
servants, " bring him hither and thou shalt receive even more."
A few days later the bald-headed one appeared at the palace and was led
into the presence of the Padishah. As soon as the King saw him he
greeted him cordially. " My dear son," he exclaimed, " I have waited
long for thee. Where hast thou been all this time ? "
To this the youth answered : " O Padishah ! I asked thee for thy
daughter, but thou gavest her not to me,- therefore have I wandered
in the world."

Without further delay the Vezirs were summoned, the Princess sent for,
and the pair were betrothed with the customary ceremonies. Then the
332

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

bald-headed young man, having accomplished his purpose, went to all
those who were under the spell and unable to move. " Be released from
Madjun ! "" he exclaimed ,• and immediately they were free and skipped
about for joy. As for the son of the Vezir, who had been married to
the Princess, he was no sooner released than he ran away and has never
been seen since. The Princess was now married to the bald youth, and
they lived happily ever after.

333

3h^ J^^ ^^ jOcCCJC^jC

'HERE was once a Padishah
being his only child, the mon^
upon her and was never happy
One day, when the Princess
the Padishah said : " My child,
of me?" "Yes, father," she
hold the basin when I wash
ing, and do thou hold the
a request was so unexpected
angry, and ordered the Princess
executioners, however, took
instead of cutting off her head
top of a mountain and left her
Thus abandoned, the
everywhere, and fin-
direction. She wan-
down dale and
reached another
saw a palace. When
op ened
could
ing into
not iced
a sheep
from the
334

who had a daughter. This
arch lavished all his affection
unless she were at his side,
was about fifteen years old,
is there anything thou desirest
answered. "Let my mother
my hands and face every morn-
towels in readiness." Such
that the Padishah became very
to be executed instantly. The
pity upon her, and
they took her to the
there.

maiden looked about

ally set out in a certain

dered long up hill and

across plains until she

mountain, whence she

she came up to it she

the gate, and entering,

see no one about. Go-

the kitchen, she

the carcass of

hanging

wall. "Now,"

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

thought the maiden : " There must certainly be
some one living here, as the sheep is intended
for food/' She then cut up the sheep and put
it into the oven to cook ,• when cooked she set it
in dishes and put it in the cupboard. That done,
she turned her attention to the room and set
everything in order ,• filling the mangal, preparing
the coffee, and laying the table.
Towards nightfall she heard approaching foot-
steps, and had just time to hide herself before
the door of the serai was opened and a being,
halfman, halfdew, entered. The maiden
trembled with fright at sight of the creature,
and could not take her eyes off him. He went
straight to the kitchen and observed that the
sheep had been cooked and put into the
cupboard. He then looked in his own room
and saw the mangal filled with fire, and
his chibouque and coffee awaiting him.
Everything was in its place,- the most
admirable order prevailed. When the
Dew, who was very old, saw all this,
he was most grateful and pronounced a
blessing on the one who had done it,
whoever it might be. Sitting down
comfortably he lit his chibouque, drank
his coffee, and thinking aloud, said :
■" Whoever it is that has been here, if a
male person shall be my son, and if
a female my daughter. Let him or
come forward, they shall suffer no harm." c/ ^^

I if ^ CLWV'cn^^

335

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

At these words the
hiding-place and timidly
who seeingher, smiled and
thee, child ! Who art
and whither goest
" I am alone in the world,
mountains I chanced to
said the Dew: "My
daughter for ever,- I am
serai shall be thine. Have
thy daily work and spend
thyself." They sat with
and afterwards retired
Next morning the maiden
the Dew had drunk his
bouque, and
her: "My child.
Here is a keyi,-
that room. An
him thy clothing
give thee clean
be at peace."
was gone.
Opening
i n d i c a ted

fjL %Jj ci;

maiden came from her
approached the Dew,
said : " My blessings on
thou ? Whence comest
thou ? " She answered :
Wandering about in the
find this place." Then
child, thou shalt be my
lonely and old. This
no fear, but <gQ about
the afternoon in amusing
each other for a^^while,
to rest.

rose betimes, and when
coffee, smoked his chi-
eaten his meal, he said to
I am now going out-
unlock the door of
Arab is in there ,- tell
is dirty and he will
linen. Put it on and
At these words he

336

the door of the room
she called "Dady!''

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

and an Arab instantly presented himself. Her wishes were hardly expressed
when the Arab disappeared and quickly returned with a bundle of clean
linen, which the maiden took and presently put on. Before leaving her the
Arab said : " "When thou art weary, take a walk in the garden." So when
all her work was finished, the maiden went into the garden. Here, floating
on a pond, she saw a duck whose wings and head were of diamonds. No
sooner did the duck espy the maiden than it shrieked aloud : " O thou
shameless one ! Art thou come to take away my Shahzada ? " Its wings
flapped so furiously that one of them broke off. Alarmed, the maiden
cried : " O woe is me ! Why did I come here ? When the Dew-father
sees what has happened he will surely kill me ! " and ran back into the
palace.

In the evening the Dew returned, and they both ate and drank together.
It was evident that the Dew was not aware of what had happened in -the
garden, so when bedtime came they retired to their respective apartments
without reference being made to the incident.

Next morning the Dew requested the maiden to go and obtain fresh linen
from the dady. This she did after the Dew's departure, and the Arab,
as before, advised her to go into the garden. As soon as the duck
caught sight of her it exclaimed angrily ; " Hast thou decked thyself out
with thy finery to take away my Shahzada ? " It quacked at such an
astonishing rate that its other wing broke off. Fearing the Dew-father's
wrath, the maiden ran back into the palace as fast as she could.
Night fell and the Dew came home as usual. They ate and drank together,
and as the Dew made no reference to the affair of the duck the maiden
retired peacefully to her chamber and slept well. Next day the Dew
went out again, while the maiden changed her clothing and repaired as
usual to the garden. This time, at seeing her, the duck set up a loud
shriek and its head fell off ,- thus it died.

Now this duck was the Dew's daughter, with whom a certain Padishah's
son had fallen violently in love. This Prince used to visit a kiosk, the

y 337

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

garden of which adjoined that of the Dew, and thus he first saw the
lady, who, for reasons of her own, not wishing to be seen again by the
Prince, changed herself into a duck and swam about on the pond. The
youth had been a witness of all that had happened and heard the words
spoken by the duck. When he saw that the maiden was more beautiful
than the Dew's daughter had been, he loved her with all his heart. The
maiden, on her part, knew not who the duck was ,• she thought merely
that it was the Dew's duck, and feared he would be so angry, when he
knew what had happened, that he would kill her without mercy. When
she saw, however, that the Dew made no reference whatever to the matter
she gathered courage, y^et every morning when the Dew went away
the old fear returned lest he should discover it and wreak his vengeance
upon her.

EANWHILE the Shahzada went to his father, saying : " Dear father
and Shah ! A certain Dew has a lovely daughter with whom I am deeply
in love. Obtain her for my wife, or'I cannot continue to live." Accord-
ingly the Padishah wrote a letter to the Dew and sent it by the hands of
one of his servants.

Having read the missive the Dew replied verbally : " Tell the Padishah
that my daughter is at his disposal ,• but I am very poor, so that more
than my daughter he must not expect. If he agrees, the betrothal may
take place next week. Tell him further, however, that as I am a very
poor man he must not bring a retinue exceeding a thousand persons, as
that number is all I could entertain." The King's servant departed and
delivered the Dew's message to his master.

On the morning of the appointed day the Dew gave the maiden a bunch
of keys, saying : "My child, take these«keys ,■ open such and such rooms,
clap your hands and many slaves will appear. Do not be afraid of
them." She did exactly as she was told, and in a short time had
gathered around her a host of slaves of all sorts, white and black, male
and female, who kissed the hem of her garment and made reverential
338

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

salaams. She led them all before the Dew, who apportioned to all
their duties.

The gates of the palace were thrown open and the Padishah and his
thousand followers entered for the solemnization of the betrothal. The
ceremony concluded, a rich banquet was served, after which the royal
guest and his gorgeous retinue took their departure. At leave-taking the
Dew observed to the Padishah : " When sending for the bride, O King,
send only five hundred carriages for her trousseau, for I am too poor to
give more." Then as a farewell gift he presented a magnificent garment
to each of the thousand men.

A week later five hundred carriages were sent to the Dew's palace for the
bride's trousseau, and with them came the Padishah's own state coach
for the accommodation of the bride herself The vehicle, however, failed
to please the Dew, who ordered his slaves to bring out the least
splendid of his equipages for his adopted daughter's use. Such a
superb coach had never been seen before at the palace of the Padishah,
where in due course the maiden arrived. The wedding took place with
great ceremony, and was accompanied by forty days and forty nights of
feasting and revelry.

Time passed away quickly with the happy couple, who lived together in
unalloyed bliss. One day the Shahzada went on a long journey.
During his absence his wife was taken ill,- slaves were dispatched in all
haste for the physicians. None of them, however, seemed able to do
her any good, and for three days and nights she suffered such pain that
it was thought advisable to send for the Dew-father.
Hastening to the maiden's side, the old man said : " Grasp my arm,
child ! " As she did so, lo ! the arm broke off as though it were made
of some brittle substance, and the sufferer moaned: "Woe is me! my
dear father's arm is broken ! " The Dew, however, consoled her*-
saying : " It matters not, my child." Turning to one of the slaves'
he said : " Take it, and set it in the corner." No sooner was this

339

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

done than the arm bios-
tree. As he turned his other
grasped it, with similar re-
broke off, fell to the floor,
mediately into another
Now said the Dew, " Take
daughter did so and it
a corner, where it became
fate befell the other foot,
golden stool. Armless and
" Hold my head, my daugh-
it, the Dew's head fell off.
claimed the young Princess,
"Never mind," said the
the middle of the room."
and behold ! in place of the
nificent bed whose like had
Now the Dew's body fell
became a carpet. The
laid in the bed, and news
circumstances quickly

people for miles around
their zyzs on the miracu-

" ^J^^']^^\^l\

somed forth into a diamond-
arm to his daughter she
suit— this arm likewise
and was transformed im-
diamond-tree.

hold of this foot." His
broke off. It was put into
a golden stool. The same
which became another
footless the Dew now said :
ter," and just as she grasped
"O dear father!" ex-
" thy head has fallen off!"
old man, "throw it into
This was accordingly done,
severed head was a mag-
never been seen before,
to the floor and
Princess was
of the wonderful
spread. All the
came to feast
lous scene.
Among them
were the parents
of the young
woman, though
they were un-
aware
that it
^ was their

340

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

own daughter. Just as they arrived the Princess and the Shahzada were
at dinner in their room. The Princess recognized her parents immediately,
though they did not know her. As for the old Padishah, his eyes were
constantly on his daughter, whose appearance he could not help admiring.
Numerous slaves were standing round.

The old Padishah picked up a towel and a can of water. " Sultana,"
he said to his wife, " let us get nearer to these slaves." " 1 will take
this towel and you pour the water,- while doing so, we can get a closer
view of the Princess." The meal finished, the old couple approached the
Shahzada and the Princess and did the office of slaves in washing
and wiping the latter's hands. In the midst of this performance the
Princess exclaimed : " My dear father, when thou didst ask my desire,
and I answered that my mother should hold the basin and thou shouldst
hold the towel for me, thou wert angry and didst drive me from home.
Now behold what a great journey thou hast made with my mother
to do those same things. Thus it is clear that the wish I then expressed
did not originate from myself,- consequently thou wast wrong in driving
me away."

To this the Padishah replied : " I was wrong, my daughter. May Allah
pardon me my sin, and do thou also pardon me. Thy wish has now
been fulfilled." Thus parents and child became reconciled, and forty days
and forty nights of festivities, celebrated the happy event.

341

HERE once lived a poor
wife one day : ■" Give me a
stock of combs into a coffee-
five or six of them and bring
Going into the coffeehouse
drinking his coffee and thinking
carious existence, several mer-
inquire for a combmaker. At
produced his combs for the
wares evidently gave satisfac-
all he had with him he secured
Delighted with his
maker went home,
of a couple of months
were ready for de-
them to the mer-
the price agreed upon,
present into the bar-
The combmaker was
—indeed he was a
proposed to his wife
make a pilgrimage to
at Hedjaz. " By all
answered his wife ,•
take our daughter
342

combmaker who said to his
few paras, and I will take my
house. Perchance I may sell
home the proceeds/'
he sat down, and while he was
over the problem of his pre-
chants came in and began to
this the combmaker got up and
merchants' inspection. His
tion, for besides disposing of
an order for a thousand more,
luck the comb-
and in the course
the thousand combs
livery. He took
chants, and received
with a handsome
gain.

now no longer poor
rich man, and he
that they should
the Prophet's Tomb
means let us go,"
" but we cannot
with us." "We

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

will leave her in the care of the hodja/' said the combmaker ,• ■" he is a
very well-disposed person." Thus the matter was settled, and they
prepared for their long journey, taking only their young son with them and
leaving their daughter in the good hands <as they believed) of the hodja.
It happened that the hodja, in whose house the combmaker and his wife
had placed their daughter, was envious of the combmaker''s success, and
secretly had long wished to injure him. Now he determined to kill the
girl left in his charge, but he wished her death to appear an accident. It
being the custom of that land for every one to visit daily the great bath-
houses of the city, he thought it would be easy to get the girl to one of
these baths and quietly drown her.

Going to the bathhouse, he pressed a couple of gold-pieces into the palm
of the bath-woman, and induced her to persuade the girl to bathe there.
Accordingly on the following day the bath-woman appeared at the hodja's
house and said to the girl : " Why dost thou not go sometimes to the
bath?"

" Because I have no one to accompany me,'' replied the girl.
" Come with me, then," rejoined the woman, " and I will assist thee."
Thus they went together to the bath. The woman took her to the
hot-air bath and— called in the hodja.

When the poor girl caught sight of the hodja she began to comprehend
that she had fallen into a trap, but, determined not to betray any
embarrassment, she greeted the hodja : " I am glad thou art come ,• I will
help thee to wash thy head." And she soaped him to such purpose that,
when she had done with him, his head could not be seen for lather.
Then taking off her heavy wooden clogs and tying them together with a
bath-towel, the girl thrashed the hodja so mercilessly therewith that he
could not afterward stir for bruises. The girl hurriedly escaped and ran
all the way back to the house of her parents.

By and by the hodja recovered consciousness, wiped the soap from his
head, dressed himself, and also went home. For more than a week after

343

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

he still felt the effects of
revenge he wrote a letter
which he stated that she
care after stealing money
When in due time the
they were naturally very
charged their son to return
the dishonoured girl to
her, bringing back her
token that he had fulfilled
The young man appeared
her to the hilltop. How-
to put her to death, but
she would ,- while, to save
foot slightly and dyed his
blood that flowed from
back to his parents.
After her brother had left
an opposite direction,
mountains, across
valleys until she came
resting she saw the
country hunting with
ing them, she climbed
cimidst the foliage.
The two huntsmen
and the Padishah said
I will undertake an
here

many
While
344

Jiec tiezul 60nX

his punishment. Then in
to the girl's parents, in
had run away from his
from him.

parents received the letter
shocked and angry. They
home with all speed, take
the top of a hill and kill
blood-stained clothes in
his mission.

and, seizing his sister, took
ever, he had not the heart
set her free to go whither
appearances, he cut his
sister's garments with the
the wound. These he took

her the maiden set off in
wandering over
plains, and through
to a spring. While
Padishah of that
his Vezir ,• and, fear-
a'tree, hiding herself

came to the spot,

to the other : " Vezir,

a b des t

and say

i prayers."
ec praying

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

the Padishah lifted up his head and saw the maiden in the tree,- she
seemed to him as beautiful as the noonday sun. His devotions finished,
he turned to his Vezir and exclaimed : " I have already unearthed my
quarry ! " Casting his eyes up to the girl, he asked : " Art thou an in
or a )m !

"Neither in nor jin, but a child of the dust like thyself," was the
answer.

The Padishah begged her to descend, which she did, and they returned to
the palace together, where, with three days and nights of merrymaking,
they became husband and wife.

One day she related to the Padishah the story of her life, and at the same
time told him how she longed to see her parents and her brother once
more. The Padishah sympathized with her, and ordered preparations to
be made for her journey. He sent her in charge of his Vezir, instructing
him to bring the Sultana's parents back with him if they were willing to
come. On the day fixed the Sultana set out, accompanied' by the Vezir
and a strong escort of soldiers.

After travelling many days they arrived at the foot of a hill, where they
decided to pitch their tents for the night. At midnight the Vezir entered
the Sultana's tent and said : " Thou belongest to me as well as to the
Padishah, for we both found thee. Since thou hast married the Padishah
rather than me, I will kill thee."

The poor Sultana begged him, before he put her to death, to allow her to
retire for a few moments' prayer. He gave the required permission, but
to provide against her escape fastened a rope round her waist. Bound as
she was she retired into another compartment of the tent, where, favoured
by Providence, she was able to release herself and flee.
Meanwhile the Vezir became tired of waiting and went to seek the woman.
What was his surprise to find the rope bound round a stone, but of the
Sultana no trace ! He roused his soldiers from their sleep and made up
for them an ingenious account of how the Sultana had endeavoured to

345

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

murder him, and then escaped. It was resolved to
strike tents and return to their own country.
The fugitive Sultana hastened on in the direction
of her parents' home. Meeting a shepherd, she
begged him to lend her a suit of men's
clothing in exchange for her own rich attire.
The shepherd raised no objections to making
such a good bargain. Disguised now as a
young man, the Sultana entered a shop
where helwa was made and sold, and
applied for the post of assistant. She was
taken on, and the report soon spread that
the helwa-shop had a handsome new assist-
ant who was very clever in making
that favourite sweetmeat.
The Sultana's father had by this time
retired from business as a comb-
maker and opened a coffee-house.
He was among those who came
often to the helwa-shop to see the
famous new assistant. The disguised helwa-maker knew her father in
a moment, but it was no surprising matter that he did not recognize
his daughter.

We will now return to the Padishah. Since the false Vezir had returned
with his lying report the Padishah had known no peace. He' was
continually brooding over the loss of his wife, sighing and groaning and
weeping. " I want my wife, Vezir," he said one day, " I must seek
her, or I die." The Vezir protested in vain. The Padishah, taking
the Vezir with him, quitted the palace and set out in search of the
Sultana.

After long wandering they reached the place where she was actually
346

VOMI^U r6UJ\U 7W ^Ul

rounc

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

sojourning/ and being tired and hungry, inquired for an inn. They
were informed there was no inn in the place,- there was, how-
ever, a shop where a young man sold the most excellent helwa ever
eaten.

The Padishah and the Vezir resolved to try this much-praised establish-
ment, and wended their way thither. As soon as they entered the
shop the Sultana knew them both, but they failed to recognize her in
the handsome young shopman. "Here, young man, let me taste thy
helwa,'' said the Padishah, putting down several paras. " If, my
lord/' said the assistant, " thou wilt remain here all night, I will make
helwa especially for thee, and besides will relate to thee a strange
story." Drawn unaccountably to the handsome young shopman, the
Padishah willingly consented to remain and listen to what the youth had
to say.

A " helwa evening " had been planned to take place in the town, and
the clever young helwa-maker was asked to come and prepare the
cakes for the occasixjn. "I would gladly do so, but I have guests,"
was the helwa-maker's reply to the invitation. Not to be denied,
the deputation returned. "Bring thy guests with thee," they said,-
"we shall be happy to welcome them and accord them places of
honour."

Thus it was arranged, and in the evening all three repaired to the
helwa feast. Places were chosen, and for the present the helwa-maker
disappeared into the kitchen to prepare the cakes.

When all was ready she appeared again with plates and a mangal in
her hands and went among the guests, recognizing in the gathering,
besides the Padishah and the Vezir, her father, her brother, and the
hodja.

While distributing the helwa she spoke as follows : " As we are here for
entertainment, let each of us tell a little story out of his own life."
Conversation began, and many interesting personal reminiscences were

347

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

related. Then it came to the turn of the
helwa-maker, who before beginning her
narration imposed the condition that no
one should leave the room during the
recital. "If anyone must go," said she,
"let him do so now," "Begin," said the
audience,- "no one shall quit his place."
Taking her seat before the closed door she
commenced her story. She began with her
visit to the bath— at which the hodja declared
he felt rather unwell and must go out into
the fresh air. "Sit down," com-
manded the story-teller with a flash
of scorn. Then continuing, she
described the atrocious conduct of
the Vezir.

As the Padishah listened spellbound,
his eyes filled with tears, for he as
well as the Vezir, the hodja, her
father and her brother, all understood
the story. Concluding the narration
of the great wrongs she had suffered,
she exclaimed: "Know thou, O
my hearers, that this Vezir and the
hodja were my enemies ,- they are in this company to-night, as are also
my father and my brother and my husband, the Padishah." At these
words she ran towards her husband, who clasped her in his arms,
weeping tears of joy.

Next day the Padishah summoned the Vezir and the hodja to his
presence and asked whether they preferred forty mules or forty knives.
They answered: "Forty knives for our enemies,- for ourselves, forty
348

" Sit down," commanded the story-teller

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

mules." Whereupon they were bound fast to forty mules, which rent
them asunder, and so there was an end of them.

After a happy sojourn at her old home with her parents and brother, the
Sultana and her husband returned to their palace to begin life anew after
the long period of affliction and cruel separation from each other.

350

HERE was once a
wife and two sons,
herd gathered to-
of the neighbourhood
in a meadow lying between the
he led them back again to their
five to ten paras for his services ,•
support himself and his family.
One day the shepherd died,
up by the elder son. This first
by the death of the mother,
the younger son that he could
obliged to go away.
For many weeks he
hill and down dale,
of the city of Bagdad
Strolling about the
met a man who ac-
" Whence comest
What art thou doing
thy name ? " The
swered : " I am come
land,- I want employ-
name is Mahomet."
fered to take Mahomet
and the youth agree-
together for the
Every day Mahomet

shepherd who had a

Every day the shep-

gether all the sheep

and led them to graze

mountains. When evening came

owners, from whom he received

and on this income he had to

and his occupation was taken
bereavement was soon followed
and this double loss so affected
not rest at home, but was

wandered on, up
until the minarets
came in sight,
streets one day he
costed him with :
thou, my son ?
here ? and what is
young man an-
from a foreign
ment ,- and my
The former of-
into his service,
ing, they set out
stranger's house,
set the house in
351

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

order and did all in his power to please his master and win his confi-
dence. One day the master called him and said : " Mahomet, my son,
take this rope and this sack and let us be off." They travelled a long
time until the foot of a hill was reached. Here they found a well,
and after they had removed the large slabs of stone that covered it the
master said : " Now, Mahomet, listen to me. I shall let thee down the
well by means of the rope ,• fill the sack with whatever thou findest at
the bottom, then attach it to the rope and I will pull it up,- afterwards I
shall let down the rope again for thine own ascent.""
Mahomet assented, fastening the rope round his waist and taking the
sack in his hand, ready to descend.

Arrived at the bottom of the well, a dazzling sight met his astonished
eyes. There were piles of gold, silver, diamonds, and pearls. He soon
filled his sack, and attached it to the rope, when it disappeared upwards.
Then, sad to relate, the stone slabs were replaced over the mouth of the
well, and poor Mahomet was abandoned to his fate.
As he paced to and fro on the bottom of the well, wondering whatever
would become of him, he espied a narrow passage. He at once made in
that direction, and after walking until he was quite tired he reached the
border of a valley. Here he sat down to rest awhile and to devise, if possible,
some means of requiting the rascality of the man whom he had served to the
best of his ability. Feeling somewhat refreshed he got up, and, changing
his clothes on the way, ere long found himself once more in the city.
Loitering about, whom should he see but the very man who had served
him such a sorry trick at the well. Mahomet being differently clothed,
his former master did not recognize him and inquired : " Whence comest
thou, my son ? " Mahomet replied that he was formerly a merchant in
such and such a town, but having been robbed of all his property he was
in search of any employment he could get. " Wouldst enter my service ? "
asked the man. " With pleasure," answered the young man, who now
gave the name of Hassan ,• and they accordingly went home together.
352

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

Some ten days elapsed and
vant. "Hassan," said he,
sack and we will be off."
to be the same as before
master : " I am going to let
with what thou findest at
proceeded no further, for
san> turned upon him an^
exclaimed. ■" Thou hast
thou thinkest to leave me
eh ? " Springing upon him
off the man's head and
placing the slabs he re-
He now took a house and
riously, lived very happily,
through the secret way he
sures at the bottom of the
as the richest man in the
It happened about this
had declared war upon
he had little money, gold
all sides to
campaign,
such wealth,
scale, and
shah was
enemy. But
signed when
Now the
of the land
council, jii^bocn,

the master called his ser-
"take this rope and the
Their destination proved
—the well. Then said the
thee down,- fill the sack
the bottom, and—." He
Mahomet <otherwise Has-
grily : " Thou wretch ! " he
deceived me once, and now
in the well a second time,
with a knife, Mahomet cut
cast it down the well. Re-
turned to the city,
having furnished it luxu-
Helping himself freely,
had discovered, to the trea-
well, he soon became known
whole kingdom,
time that the Padishah
his neighbour,- but, as
was being collected on
meettheexpensesofthe
Mahomet, having
gave on a most liberal
by this means the Padi-
able to conquer his
peace had hardly been
the Padishah died.

great men

^ met in

iCjdctV and

as
353

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

Mahomet was so enormously rich, they
decided to elect him to the rank and dignity
of Padishah, which was accordingly done.
After much discussion it was further
resolved that, as the new Padishah could
neither read nor write, a hodja must be
appointed to teach him. A suitable hodja
was forthcoming and the instruction began.
One night the hodja said to his master,
who was also his pupil : " O Padishah, I
must instruct thee in the science of astro-
logy." " What is that, and of what use
is it?" asked the Padishah. "Let us
learn something else.'' Then said the
hodja : " Near the staircase outside is a
book ,• fetch it, and I will explain to thee
what astrology is." Taking a candle the
Padishah went out of the room and saw
that at the foot of the stairs a book
really was lying. He set the candle on
the floor and picked up the book, and was
just on the point of returning to the room
when a great bird seized him and flew off with him. It flew with him a
considerable distance, and eventually set him down in an unknown spot
and left him there. As it was quite dark, the Padishah remained where
he was until morning broke, when, looking round him, he found he was
close to a cemetery.

He walked to the nearest town, and strolling about the streets, inquired
of the passers-by how far it was to Bagdad. No one was able to
enlighten him, for it appeared that no one had ever heard of a city
of that name. As he proceeded farther, however, and pursued his
354

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

inquiries, a very old man answered : " I do not know where Bagdad is, but
my grandfather's father was there about two hundred years ago. I have
heard my father say so, but how far it is from here I know not" At
this the Padishah heaved a deep sigh, for he thought he should never
reach Bagdad again. By degrees, however, he grew more resigned to his
fate, and entering a coffeehouse he sat down to the enjoyment of a cup
of coffee and a chibouque.

When he got up to pay for his coffee he discovered, to his dismay,
that his purse was gone. He told the coffeehouse keeper of his
difficulty, and then, returning to the cemetery, looked about in the hope
of finding his missing property. The search was in vain, and he went
back disconsolately to the coffee-house keeper, who advised him that
a certain man in the marketplace could find his money for him.
Accordingly the Padishah sought the person indicated, and related
his misfortune. The man asked what kind of a purse it was, and
the Padishah replied : " Partly red and partly blue." The man then
opened a cupboard, and taking out the identical purse, asked " Is
this it ? " "" Indeed it is ! " answered the Padishah, wondering by what
extraordinary means this man had come to possess his purse. He was
glad to recover his money, and as he liked the town he resolved to stay
there for the present.

Some days later he went again to the coffee-house, and telling the
coffee-house keeper he intended to marry, asked whether he could
recommend to him a suitable bride.
" Maiden or widow ? " queried the Kavedji.

" It makes no difference to me, so long as she is honest and respectable,"
replied the Padishah. On this the Kavedji advised him to go again to
the market-place, where he would find a man who could procure him a
suitable wife.

Mahomet sought out the man and acquainted him with his requirement.
The latter promptly informed his client that at such and such an address

355

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

there was the very per-
in every way suitable,
and gave it to Mahomet,
the imam, who would
The imam read the note
hornet as follows : " This
ranged, only if thou mar-
must beware of meddling
otherwise thou art a lost
his head in assent,- the
and the pair were mar-
went to the woman's
Next day the woman
pieces to her husband,
money and open a shop,
the goods at cost price."
wife's advice Ma-
in the market-place,
the exact price he
conducted his busi
from day to day, lj^\
out, until one fine
sold out and there
to buy in again.
"What shall we
his wife sadly. The

jV I'*!

son he needed— a widow
He then wrote a note
telling him to take it to
introduce the woman.
and then addressed Ma-
matter can be easily ar-
riest this woman thou
in the things of Allah,-
man." Mahomet bowed
woman was introduced
ried, after which they
house,

handed a hundred gold-
saying : " Take this
but be sure to sell all
In accordance with his
homet set up a shop
selling everything at
gave for it. He
ness in this fashion
year in and year
day his stock was
was no money left

do now?" he asked
woman opened a

ttf tier nacbrttid

356,

TURKISH PAIRy TALES

cupboard, took therefrom a bag, and counting out a hundred gold-pieces,

said : " Here are another hundred goldpieces ,• buy in a stock of goods

and sell them again as before." " But, my dear," objected Mahomet, " what

is the meaning of this ? With thy first hundred gold-pieces I traded without

profit until the whole sum was exhausted,- now thou givest me another

hundred and tellest me to do again likewise ! How can it be possible ? "

The woman answered : " That is Allah's affair, in which we may not

meddle." But Mahomet was inquisitive to get at the bottom of the

matter, and as he would give his wife no peace she opened the window

and cried: "Dear neighbours, help! My husband is meddling in the

things of Allah. Help!"

Instantly there was an uproar : neighbours ran in, armed with sticks,

with which they set upon Mahomet, so that he took to flight and ran for

his life out of the town.

While in this predicament the great bird swooped down upon him again,

seized him, and carried him back to the foot of the stairs whence he had

been taken so many years before. He observed that the candle was

still where he had put it, and that everything else was undisturbed. He

picked up the book, which he had dropped when the bird seized him the

first time, and took it to the hodja.

"What a long while thou hast tarried," observed the hodja,- on which

the Padishah related his adventures.

" Now thou knowest," returned the hodja, " what is the science of

astrology."

The Padishah paid heed to the words of his teacher, kissed his hand, and

applied himself diligently to the study of reading and writing.

357

K were three brothers,- two of us
a bit of sense. We went to the
bows, two of which were broken,
In a stream without a drop of
of which were dead, while the
We shot one with an arrow,
off up hill and down dale, drink-
gathering tulips and hyacinths,
of a barleycorn.

On and on we went, until we
which were in ruins, while the
lay three men, two
out life. We asked
give us a vessel
in. They showed
boards, two of
and the third had
we found three
holes and the third
In the plate with-
cooked the duck.
"I have eaten suf
■" I've no appe-
"No more, thank
said he had eaten
358

were silly, and neither of us had
bow-maker's and bought three
and the third had no string,
water swam three ducks, two
third hadn't a spark of life,
and taking it in our hand, set
ing coffee and smoking tobacco,
until we had travelled the length

came to three houses, two of
third had no foundation. There
dead and one with-
the dead men to
to cook our duck
us three cup-
which were broken
no sides. In them
plates, two full of
without bottom,
out bottom we
One of us said,
ficient ,- " the other,
tite," and I said,
you." He who
sufficient ate up

TURKISH FAIRY TALES

the whole duck, he who said he had no appetite ate up the bones ,• at
which I became angry and ran away to a melon'field.
Taking my knife from my girdle I cut a melon. Where my knife was,
there was I. Meeting a caravan, I asked where my knife was. They
answered me : " For forty years we have been looking for twelve camels
we have lost. As we have not been able to find them, how do you
think we could find your knife?"

At this I went away in anger and came to a tree. Close by was a
basket in which some one had put a murdered man. As I looked at him
I saw forty thieves approaching,- so I took to my heels, they after me.
Running till I was out of breath I reached an old tumble-down djami, in
the court of which I sat down to rest. The thieves followed and chased
me round and round the court, until in my despair I sought to escape
them by climbing to the pinnacle of the minaret. One of the thieves drew
his knife and came at me, when with a loud shriek I loosed my hold and
fell to earth.

In mortal terror I suddenly opened my eyes— to discover that I had
been dreaming !

CENTRAL CIRCULATION

CHILDREN-S ROOr;s

Abdest
Aga

Anka
" Amin ! "

Religious ablution ^^ A _^
Officer, chief X^
Mythical bird X
"Amen!" T

Bey

" Bismillah "

Nobleman

"In the name of God"

Cadi
Chibouque

Judge

Pipe with long stem

Dady
Dervish

Nurse
Mendicant monk

Dew
Djami

Evil spirit
Oratory

" Essalaam alejkum '

' " Peace be upon you "

Feredje
Fez

Overcoat

The characteristic Turkish red cap <formerly made
in Fez, Morocco)

Han

Handschar

Helwa

Hodja

Houri

Inn

Large knife, or dagger, with curved blade

Turkish delight

Teacher, letter-writer

Largeeyed giri figuring in Paradise

2 a 361

TURKISH FAIRy TALES

Ifrid

Apparition

Imam

Head of a reh'gious community

Good spirit

" Inshallah "

"Ifit please God"

Jin

Evil spirit

Kaftan

Long outer coat of thin material

Kavedji

Coffee-maker

Kiosk

Palace or villa in a garden

Kismet

Fate

Kuliba

Hut

Kunterbunt

This may be freely rendered " Higgledy-piggledy

Lala

Court chamberlain

Leblebi

Roasted peas

Lira

Gold piece, value about 18s. 6d.

Lokma

Turkish sweetmeat

Madjun

Spellfood

Mangal

Chafing-dish

Namaz

Prayer

Nargiie

Pipe with long tube and bowl containing scente

water through which the smoke passes befoi

entering the smoker's mouth

Padishah

Sultan

Peri

Fairy

Piaster

Silver piece, value about 2|d.

Pilaf

Mutton with rice

Pir

An old man

Romak

A word used in exorcism

362

TURKISH FAlRy TALES

" Salaam "

Schalwar

Selamlik

Serai

Shahzada

Sheikh

Softa

" Selamin alejkum

Tandir

Tawla

Tellal

Tespih

Turbe

Tscharschi

Vali
Vezir

"Wallahi ! "

"Peace"

Trousers <for men or women)
That part of dwelling where men live
Palace

Crown Prince
Chief of Dervishes, master
Student of religious law

"Peace be upon you" (salutation) ,■ "Ve alejkum
selam/' " And upon you be peace " (response)

An Oriental warming apparatus, in appearance
like a round table. A quilt is suspended from
the top, and Turkish women sitting round the
tandir on their low divans pull this over their
feet

A game ,• backgammon board

Auction agent

Rosary

Tomb

Marketplace

Governor of province
Prime minister

"By God!"

CENTRAL CIRCULATFON

CHILDREN'S ROOM

PRINTED AT

THE BALLANTVNE PRESS

LONDON

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